Is Springfield, MO cheaper than Rockford, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Springfield, MO is 14.2% cheaper than Rockford, IL. This translates to saving $1068 per month.

What salary do I need in Springfield, MO to live like I do in Rockford, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Rockford, IL, you'd need approximately $137,181.672 in Springfield, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rockford, IL and Springfield, MO?

Housing in Springfield, MO is 23.5% cheaper than in Rockford, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $913/month in Springfield, MO compared to $921/month in Rockford, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Rockford, IL to Springfield, MO?

Moving from Rockford, IL to Springfield, MO could save you approximately $1068 per month, or $12818 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rockford, IL vs Springfield, MO: 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 Springfield, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.2K in Springfield, MO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 14.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,068

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.8K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$158K

Springfield, MO

Population:170K

Cost Index:

(14% below avg)

Median Home:$226K

Rockford, IL

The Prairie State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Springfield, MO

The Show-Me State

170K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 170K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Rockford, IL vs Springfield, MO

Category	Rockford, IL	Springfield, MO	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,419/mo	$1,850/mo	↓ $570less	23.5%
Transportation	$1,373/mo	$1,187/mo	↓ $186less	13.5%
Other	$1,748/mo	$1,569/mo	↓ $179less	10.2%
Healthcare	$710/mo	$600/mo	↓ $110less	15.5%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$529/mo	↑ $27.12more	5.4%
Groceries	$948/mo	$938/mo	↓ $9.64less	1.0%

Housing

↓ 23.5%

Rockford, IL

$2,419

Springfield, MO

$1,850

Difference

$570

less

Transportation

↓ 13.5%

Rockford, IL

$1,373

Springfield, MO

$1,187

Difference

$186

less

Other

↓ 10.2%

Rockford, IL

$1,748

Springfield, MO

$1,569

Difference

$179

less

Healthcare

↓ 15.5%

Rockford, IL

$710

Springfield, MO

$600

Difference

$110

less

All Utilities

↑ 5.4%

Rockford, IL

$502

Springfield, MO

$529

Difference

$27.12

Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Rockford, IL

$948

Springfield, MO

$938

Difference

$9.64

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$639

To$730

↑ $91.00

1 Bed

From$705

To$739

↑ $34.00

2 Bed

From$921

To$913

↓ $8.00

3 Bed

From$1,219

To$1,245

↑ $26.00

Rockford, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $810–$1,130/mo

Springfield, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $790–$1,020/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

$6,673

Monthly in Springfield, MO

$1,027

Difference

Home Values

Rockford

Springfield

$158K

Median Value

$226K

↑ +8.6%

YoY Change

↑ +1.2%

↑ +69.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +44.6%

$102K - $256K

Price Range

$132K - $434K

Homes in Springfield are 43% more expensive than Rockford

Calculate payment - Rockford Calculate payment - Springfield

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $504

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$42.00

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

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

Springfield, MO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Missouri State Tax

Effective: 5.3%

$7.9K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.0%

$44.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,755/month

$105.1K

Additional Tax Information

Rockford, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Springfield, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.0%

💡 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.