Is Rockford, IL cheaper than Joliet, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Rockford, IL is 2.3% more expensive than Joliet, IL. This translates to spending an extra $170 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Joliet, IL, you'd need approximately $152,044.271 in Rockford, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Rockford, IL is 5.4% cheaper than in Joliet, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $921/month in Rockford, IL compared to $1,253/month in Joliet, IL.

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

Living in Rockford, IL costs approximately $170 more per month than Joliet, IL, or $2044 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Joliet, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $170/month more in Rockford, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.0K in Rockford, IL

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

Overall Cost

↑ 2.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$170

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.0K

Per year

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

Joliet, IL

Population:150K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$205K

Rockford, IL

Population:146K

Cost Index:

102

(2% above avg)

Median Home:$158K

Joliet, IL

The Prairie State

150K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 150K 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: Joliet, IL vs Rockford, IL

Category	Joliet, IL	Rockford, IL	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,557/mo	$1,373/mo	↓ $184less	11.8%
Housing	$2,558/mo	$2,419/mo	↓ $139less	5.4%
Healthcare	$573/mo	$710/mo	↑ $137more	24.0%
Other	$1,629/mo	$1,748/mo	↑ $119more	7.3%
Groceries	$991/mo	$948/mo	↓ $43.22less	4.4%
All Utilities	$500/mo	$502/mo	↑ $2.25more	0.5%

Transportation

↓ 11.8%

Joliet, IL

$1,557

Rockford, IL

$1,373

Difference

$184

less

Housing

↓ 5.4%

Joliet, IL

$2,558

Rockford, IL

$2,419

Difference

$139

less

Healthcare

↑ 24.0%

Joliet, IL

$573

Rockford, IL

$710

Difference

$137

Other

↑ 7.3%

Joliet, IL

$1,629

Rockford, IL

$1,748

Difference

$119

Groceries

↓ 4.4%

Joliet, IL

$991

Rockford, IL

$948

Difference

$43.22

less

All Utilities

↑ 0.5%

Joliet, IL

$500

Rockford, IL

$502

Difference

$2.25

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,040

To$639

↓ $401

1 Bed

From$1,111

To$705

↓ $406

2 Bed

From$1,253

To$921

↓ $332

3 Bed

From$1,615

To$1,219

↓ $396

Joliet, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,380–$1,610/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.

$7,807

Monthly in Joliet, IL

$7,700

Monthly in Rockford, IL

$108

Difference

Home Values

Joliet

Rockford

$205K

Median Value

$158K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↑ +8.6%

↑ +36.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +69.3%

$198K - $339K

Price Range

$102K - $256K

Homes in Rockford are 23% less expensive than Joliet

Calculate payment - Joliet 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

Joliet, 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

Joliet, 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.