Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Rockford, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.3% cheaper than Rockford, IL. This translates to saving $400 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Rockford, IL, you'd need approximately $145,199.819 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rockford, IL and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 2.0% more expensive than in Rockford, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $921/month in Rockford, IL.

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

Moving from Rockford, IL to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $400 per month, or $4800 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rockford, IL vs Raleigh, NC: 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 save $400/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.2K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 5.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$400

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.8K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$512K

Rockford, IL

The Prairie State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Rockford, IL vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Rockford, IL	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏥Healthcare	$710/mo	$601/mo	↓ $109less	15.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,373/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $88.97less	6.5%
🏠Housing	$2,419/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $49.46more	2.0%
⚡All Utilities	$502/mo	$546/mo	↑ $44.42more	8.8%
📦Other	$1,748/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $40.46less	2.3%
🛒Groceries	$948/mo	$959/mo	↑ $11.65more	1.2%

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.4%

Rockford, IL

$710

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$109

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.5%

Rockford, IL

$1,373

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$88.97

less

🏠Housing

↑ 2.0%

Rockford, IL

$2,419

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$49.46

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.8%

Rockford, IL

$502

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$44.42

📦Other

↓ 2.3%

Rockford, IL

$1,748

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$40.46

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.2%

Rockford, IL

$948

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$11.65

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$639

To$1,570

↑ $931

1 Bed

From$705

To$1,640

↑ $935

2 Bed

From$921

To$1,800

↑ $879

3 Bed

From$1,219

To$2,255

↑ $1,036

Rockford, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $810–$1,130/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$133

Difference

Home Values

Rockford

Raleigh

$158K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +8.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +69.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$102K - $256K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 223% more expensive than Rockford

Calculate payment - Rockford Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $300

Per year

Monthly Difference

$25.00

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Rockford, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.