Chicago, IL vs Rockford, IL: Cost of Living Comparison
Rockford has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Rockford | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 98 | 64 | Rockford |
| Housing | 91 ($966) | 35 ($668) | Rockford |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 110 ($3.50) | Chicago |
| Food & groceries | 101 ($414) | 71 ($291) | Rockford |
| Utilities | 96 ($164) | 68 ($63) | Rockford |
| Healthcare | 96 ($118) | 68 ($46) | Rockford |
| Median annual wage | 107 ($51,960) | 107 ($51,960) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago, IL or Rockford, IL cheaper to live in?
Rockford, IL is cheaper overall by about 34 index points (Chicago, IL: 98, Rockford, IL: 64; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Chicago, IL vs Rockford, IL?
A single adult needs roughly $34,300/year in Chicago, IL and $22,400/year in Rockford, IL to cover basic living costs.