Is Cedar Rapids, IA cheaper than Rockford, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Cedar Rapids, IA is 10.2% cheaper than Rockford, IL. This translates to saving $763 per month.

What salary do I need in Cedar Rapids, IA to live like I do in Rockford, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Rockford, IL, you'd need approximately $140,842.451 in Cedar Rapids, IA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rockford, IL and Cedar Rapids, IA?

Housing in Cedar Rapids, IA is 12.1% cheaper than in Rockford, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,104/month in Cedar Rapids, IA compared to $921/month in Rockford, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Rockford, IL to Cedar Rapids, IA?

Moving from Rockford, IL to Cedar Rapids, IA could save you approximately $763 per month, or $9158 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rockford, IL vs Cedar Rapids, IA: 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 Rockford, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $763/month moving to Cedar Rapids, IA

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.8K in Cedar Rapids, IA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 10.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$763

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.2K

Per year

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

Rockford, IL

Population:146K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$158K

Cedar Rapids, IA

Population:136K

Cost Index:

(10% below avg)

Median Home:$197K

Rockford, IL

The Prairie State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cedar Rapids, IA

The Hawkeye State

136K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 136K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Rockford, IL vs Cedar Rapids, IA

Category	Rockford, IL	Cedar Rapids, IA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,419/mo	$2,126/mo	↓ $293less	12.1%
Other	$1,748/mo	$1,643/mo	↓ $104less	6.0%
Transportation	$1,373/mo	$1,271/mo	↓ $102less	7.4%
Groceries	$948/mo	$920/mo	↓ $28.07less	3.0%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$475/mo	↓ $26.78less	5.3%
Healthcare	$710/mo	$689/mo	↓ $20.77less	2.9%

Housing

↓ 12.1%

Rockford, IL

$2,419

Cedar Rapids, IA

$2,126

Difference

$293

less

Other

↓ 6.0%

Rockford, IL

$1,748

Cedar Rapids, IA

$1,643

Difference

$104

less

Transportation

↓ 7.4%

Rockford, IL

$1,373

Cedar Rapids, IA

$1,271

Difference

$102

less

Groceries

↓ 3.0%

Rockford, IL

$948

Cedar Rapids, IA

$920

Difference

$28.07

less

All Utilities

↓ 5.3%

Rockford, IL

$502

Cedar Rapids, IA

$475

Difference

$26.78

less

Healthcare

↓ 2.9%

Rockford, IL

$710

Cedar Rapids, IA

$689

Difference

$20.77

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$639

To$757

↑ $118

1 Bed

From$705

To$844

↑ $139

2 Bed

From$921

To$1,104

↑ $183

3 Bed

From$1,219

To$1,534

↑ $315

Rockford, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $810–$1,130/mo

Cedar Rapids, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $740–$930/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.

$7,700

Monthly in Rockford, IL

$7,125

Monthly in Cedar Rapids, IA

$575

Difference

Home Values

Rockford

Cedar Rapids

$158K

Median Value

$197K

↑ +8.6%

YoY Change

↑ +3.9%

↑ +69.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.6%

$102K - $256K

Price Range

$117K - $432K

Homes in Cedar Rapids are 24% more expensive than Rockford

Calculate payment - Rockford Calculate payment - Cedar Rapids

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$273

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.2%

Rate difference

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

Cedar Rapids, IA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Iowa State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.7K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.7K

Take-Home Pay

$8,524/month

$102.3K

Additional Tax Information

Rockford, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Cedar Rapids, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:1.5%

💡 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.