Is Dayton, OH cheaper than Rockford, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Dayton, OH is 11.9% cheaper than Rockford, IL. This translates to saving $889 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Rockford, IL, you'd need approximately $139,329.831 in Dayton, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rockford, IL and Dayton, OH?

Housing in Dayton, OH is 12.8% cheaper than in Rockford, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,228/month in Dayton, OH compared to $921/month in Rockford, IL.

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

Moving from Rockford, IL to Dayton, OH could save you approximately $889 per month, or $10670 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rockford, IL vs Dayton, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

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 $889/month moving to Dayton, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.3K in Dayton, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 11.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$889

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.7K

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

Dayton, OH

Population:136K

Cost Index:

(12% below avg)

Median Home:$112K

Rockford, IL

The Prairie State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Dayton, OH

The Buckeye State

136K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Rockford, IL vs Dayton, OH

Category	Rockford, IL	Dayton, OH	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,419/mo	$2,110/mo	↓ $310less	12.8%
Healthcare	$710/mo	$568/mo	↓ $142less	20.0%
Transportation	$1,373/mo	$1,234/mo	↓ $139less	10.1%
Other	$1,748/mo	$1,631/mo	↓ $117less	6.7%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$468/mo	↓ $34.12less	6.8%
Groceries	$948/mo	$926/mo	↓ $21.54less	2.3%

Housing

↓ 12.8%

Rockford, IL

$2,419

Dayton, OH

$2,110

Difference

$310

less

Healthcare

↓ 20.0%

Rockford, IL

$710

Dayton, OH

$568

Difference

$142

less

Transportation

↓ 10.1%

Rockford, IL

$1,373

Dayton, OH

$1,234

Difference

$139

less

Other

↓ 6.7%

Rockford, IL

$1,748

Dayton, OH

$1,631

Difference

$117

less

All Utilities

↓ 6.8%

Rockford, IL

$502

Dayton, OH

$468

Difference

$34.12

less

Groceries

↓ 2.3%

Rockford, IL

$948

Dayton, OH

$926

Difference

$21.54

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Dayton, OH: Dayton Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Rockford, IL has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$639

To$893

↑ $254

1 Bed

From$705

To$974

↑ $269

2 Bed

From$921

To$1,228

↑ $307

3 Bed

From$1,219

To$1,593

↑ $374

Rockford, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $810–$1,130/mo

Dayton, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $790–$1,430/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

$6,936

Monthly in Dayton, OH

$764

Difference

Home Values

Rockford

Dayton

$158K

Median Value

$112K

↑ +8.6%

YoY Change

↑ +1.4%

↑ +69.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +37%

$102K - $256K

Price Range

$72K - $307K

Homes in Dayton are 29% less expensive than Rockford

Calculate payment - Rockford Calculate payment - Dayton

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$250

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

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

Dayton, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Rockford, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Dayton, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 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.