Cost of Living Comparison for Rockford, IL
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Rockford's cost of living index is 83 — 17% cheaper than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Rockford local data
How Rockford Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Rockford stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Rockford, IL | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $145,000 | $420,800 | -65.5% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $780 | $1,713 | -54.5% |
| Median Household Income | $51,000 | $74,580 | -31.6% |
| Property Tax Rate | 2.20% | 1.10% | +100.0% |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 100 | -17.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Rockford Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 345,000
- Unemployment
- 5.6%
- Avg Commute
- 20 min
- Median Age
- 36.1
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 15.5x
- Annual Property Tax
- $3,190
Frequently Asked Questions — Rockford
What is the median home price in Rockford, IL?
The median home price in Rockford is $145,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Rockford?
Median monthly rent in Rockford is $780. That works out to $9,360/year, or 18% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Rockford affordable?
Rockford's cost of living index is 83 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $51,000/year and a median home price of $145,000, the price-to-income ratio is 2.8x. Rockford remains relatively affordable compared to many US metros.
What is the property tax rate in Rockford?
The effective property tax rate in Rockford is 2.20% of assessed value. On the median home of $145,000, that's roughly $3,190/year ($266/month).