Is Kansas City, KS cheaper than Rockford, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, KS is 14.5% cheaper than Rockford, IL. This translates to saving $1084 per month.

What salary do I need in Kansas City, KS to live like I do in Rockford, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Rockford, IL, you'd need approximately $136,990.353 in Kansas City, KS to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rockford, IL and Kansas City, KS?

Housing in Kansas City, KS is 23.7% cheaper than in Rockford, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,010/month in Kansas City, KS compared to $921/month in Rockford, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Rockford, IL to Kansas City, KS?

Moving from Rockford, IL to Kansas City, KS could save you approximately $1084 per month, or $13010 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rockford, IL vs Kansas City, KS: 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 $1.1K/month moving to Kansas City, KS

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.0K in Kansas City, KS

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

Overall Cost

↓ 14.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,084

Savings

Annual Impact

$13.0K

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

Kansas City, KS

Population:153K

Cost Index:

(14% below avg)

Median Home:$161K

Rockford, IL

The Prairie State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Kansas City, KS

The Sunflower State

153K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kansas, this city has a population of 153K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Rockford, IL vs Kansas City, KS

Category	Rockford, IL	Kansas City, KS	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,419/mo	$1,845/mo	↓ $574less	23.7%
Transportation	$1,373/mo	$1,184/mo	↓ $189less	13.8%
Other	$1,748/mo	$1,565/mo	↓ $183less	10.5%
Healthcare	$710/mo	$599/mo	↓ $111less	15.6%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$528/mo	↑ $26.47more	5.3%
Groceries	$948/mo	$937/mo	↓ $10.80less	1.1%

Housing

↓ 23.7%

Rockford, IL

$2,419

Kansas City, KS

$1,845

Difference

$574

less

Transportation

↓ 13.8%

Rockford, IL

$1,373

Kansas City, KS

$1,184

Difference

$189

less

Other

↓ 10.5%

Rockford, IL

$1,748

Kansas City, KS

$1,565

Difference

$183

less

Healthcare

↓ 15.6%

Rockford, IL

$710

Kansas City, KS

$599

Difference

$111

less

All Utilities

↑ 5.3%

Rockford, IL

$502

Kansas City, KS

$528

Difference

$26.47

Groceries

↓ 1.1%

Rockford, IL

$948

Kansas City, KS

$937

Difference

$10.80

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Kansas City, KS: Kansas City KS Earnings Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

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$811

↑ $172

1 Bed

From$705

To$894

↑ $189

2 Bed

From$921

To$1,010

↑ $89.00

3 Bed

From$1,219

To$1,316

↑ $97.00

Rockford, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $810–$1,130/mo

Kansas City, KSZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,650/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

$6,659

Monthly in Kansas City, KS

$1,041

Difference

Home Values

Rockford

Kansas City

$158K

Median Value

$161K

↑ +8.6%

YoY Change

↑ +1.6%

↑ +69.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +55.9%

$102K - $256K

Price Range

$115K - $322K

Homes in Kansas City are 1% more expensive than Rockford

Calculate payment - Rockford Calculate payment - Kansas City

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $993

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$82.75

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

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

Kansas City, KS

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Kansas State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,714/month

$104.6K

Additional Tax Information

Rockford, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Kansas City, KS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.7%

Property Tax:1.3%

💡 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.