Is Denver, CO cheaper than Rockford, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 7.4% more expensive than Rockford, IL. This translates to spending an extra $552 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Rockford, IL, you'd need approximately $156,618.352 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rockford, IL and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 34.3% more expensive than in Rockford, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $921/month in Rockford, IL.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $552 more per month than Rockford, IL, or $6618 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rockford, IL vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Rockford, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Madison, WI area

Current salary in Rockford, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $552/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.6K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 7.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$552

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.6K

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

Median Home:$158K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$513K

Rockford, IL

The Prairie State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Rockford, IL vs Denver, CO

Category	Rockford, IL	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,419/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $829more	34.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,373/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $88.61more	6.5%
🛒Groceries	$948/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $81.60more	8.6%
🏥Healthcare	$710/mo	$632/mo	↓ $78.01less	11.0%
📦Other	$1,748/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $26.50more	1.5%
⚡All Utilities	$502/mo	$519/mo	↑ $17.10more	3.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 34.3%

Rockford, IL

$2,419

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$829

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.5%

Rockford, IL

$1,373

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$88.61

🛒Groceries

↑ 8.6%

Rockford, IL

$948

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$81.60

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.0%

Rockford, IL

$710

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$78.01

less

📦Other

↑ 1.5%

Rockford, IL

$1,748

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$26.50

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.4%

Rockford, IL

$502

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$17.10

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

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$1,720

↑ $1,081

1 Bed

From$705

To$1,840

↑ $1,135

2 Bed

From$921

To$2,190

↑ $1,269

3 Bed

From$1,219

To$2,870

↑ $1,651

Rockford, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $810–$1,130/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$965

Difference

Home Values

Rockford

Denver

$158K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +8.6%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +69.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$102K - $256K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 224% more expensive than Rockford

Calculate payment - Rockford Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $825

Per year

Monthly Difference

$68.75

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Rockford, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.