Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Worcester is 82% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,415/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 33%
$67,544/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 21%
$339,500 ↑ 181%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 64%
$1,521/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 38%
205,501
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $461/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $5,532/year.

Median household income is $14,216/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Rockford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Rockford — common questions

Is Worcester or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Rockford?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $461/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Rockford?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $14,216/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Rockford has a cost index of 57 with rent of $954/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Rockford

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse