Is Rockford, IL cheaper than Aurora, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Rockford, IL is 1.7% more expensive than Aurora, IL. This translates to spending an extra $130 per month.

What salary do I need in Rockford, IL to live like I do in Aurora, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Aurora, IL, you'd need approximately $151,564.749 in Rockford, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Aurora, IL and Rockford, IL?

Housing in Rockford, IL is 5.9% cheaper than in Aurora, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $921/month in Rockford, IL compared to $1,338/month in Aurora, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Aurora, IL to Rockford, IL?

Living in Rockford, IL costs approximately $130 more per month than Aurora, IL, or $1565 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Aurora, IL vs Rockford, IL: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Aurora, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $130/month more in Rockford, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.6K in Rockford, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↑ 1.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$130

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Aurora, IL

Population:178K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$298K

Rockford, IL

Population:146K

Cost Index:

102

(2% above avg)

Median Home:$158K

Aurora, IL

The Prairie State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 178K residents.

Rockford, IL

The Prairie State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 146K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Aurora, IL vs Rockford, IL

Category	Aurora, IL	Rockford, IL	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,565/mo	$1,373/mo	↓ $192less	12.3%
Housing	$2,571/mo	$2,419/mo	↓ $152less	5.9%
Healthcare	$574/mo	$710/mo	↑ $136more	23.7%
Other	$1,638/mo	$1,748/mo	↑ $110more	6.7%
Groceries	$993/mo	$948/mo	↓ $45.81less	4.6%
All Utilities	$501/mo	$502/mo	↑ $0.95more	0.2%

Transportation

↓ 12.3%

Aurora, IL

$1,565

Rockford, IL

$1,373

Difference

$192

less

Housing

↓ 5.9%

Aurora, IL

$2,571

Rockford, IL

$2,419

Difference

$152

less

Healthcare

↑ 23.7%

Aurora, IL

$574

Rockford, IL

$710

Difference

$136

Other

↑ 6.7%

Aurora, IL

$1,638

Rockford, IL

$1,748

Difference

$110

Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Aurora, IL

$993

Rockford, IL

$948

Difference

$45.81

less

All Utilities

↑ 0.2%

Aurora, IL

$501

Rockford, IL

$502

Difference

$0.95

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,109

To$639

↓ $470

1 Bed

From$1,188

To$705

↓ $483

2 Bed

From$1,338

To$921

↓ $417

3 Bed

From$1,726

To$1,219

↓ $507

Aurora, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,430–$2,140/mo

Rockford, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $810–$1,130/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,843

Monthly in Aurora, IL

$7,700

Monthly in Rockford, IL

$143

Difference

Home Values

Aurora

Rockford

$298K

Median Value

$158K

↑ +3.5%

YoY Change

↑ +8.6%

↑ +43.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +69.3%

$236K - $339K

Price Range

$102K - $256K

Homes in Rockford are 47% less expensive than Aurora

Calculate payment - Aurora Calculate payment - Rockford

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Aurora, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Rockford, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Additional Tax Information

Aurora, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Rockford, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.