Is Warren, MI cheaper than Rockford, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Warren, MI is 17.0% cheaper than Rockford, IL. This translates to saving $1275 per month.

What salary do I need in Warren, MI to live like I do in Rockford, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Rockford, IL, you'd need approximately $134,705.5 in Warren, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rockford, IL and Warren, MI?

Housing in Warren, MI is 43.9% cheaper than in Rockford, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,171/month in Warren, MI compared to $921/month in Rockford, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Rockford, IL to Warren, MI?

Moving from Rockford, IL to Warren, MI could save you approximately $1275 per month, or $15295 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rockford, IL vs Warren, MI: 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 $1.3K/month moving to Warren, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $134.7K in Warren, MI

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

Overall Cost

↓ 17.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,275

Savings

Annual Impact

$15.3K

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

Warren, MI

Population:137K

Cost Index:

(17% below avg)

Median Home:$183K

Rockford, IL

The Prairie State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Warren, MI

The Great Lakes State

137K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 137K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Rockford, IL vs Warren, MI

Category	Rockford, IL	Warren, MI	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,419/mo	$1,356/mo	↓ $1,063less	43.9%
Healthcare	$710/mo	$554/mo	↓ $156less	21.9%
Transportation	$1,373/mo	$1,518/mo	↑ $145more	10.6%
Other	$1,748/mo	$1,618/mo	↓ $130less	7.4%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$548/mo	↑ $45.94more	9.2%
Groceries	$948/mo	$933/mo	↓ $14.38less	1.5%

Housing

↓ 43.9%

Rockford, IL

$2,419

Warren, MI

$1,356

Difference

$1,063

less

Healthcare

↓ 21.9%

Rockford, IL

$710

Warren, MI

$554

Difference

$156

less

Transportation

↑ 10.6%

Rockford, IL

$1,373

Warren, MI

$1,518

Difference

$145

Other

↓ 7.4%

Rockford, IL

$1,748

Warren, MI

$1,618

Difference

$130

less

All Utilities

↑ 9.2%

Rockford, IL

$502

Warren, MI

$548

Difference

$45.94

Groceries

↓ 1.5%

Rockford, IL

$948

Warren, MI

$933

Difference

$14.38

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$639

To$834

↑ $195

1 Bed

From$705

To$932

↑ $227

2 Bed

From$921

To$1,171

↑ $250

3 Bed

From$1,219

To$1,429

↑ $210

Rockford, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $810–$1,130/mo

Warren, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,060–$1,170/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

$6,528

Monthly in Warren, MI

$1,172

Difference

Home Values

Rockford

Warren

$158K

Median Value

$183K

↑ +8.6%

YoY Change

↑ +1.6%

↑ +69.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.5%

$102K - $256K

Price Range

$124K - $235K

Homes in Warren are 15% more expensive than Rockford

Calculate payment - Rockford Calculate payment - Warren

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$87.50

More 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

Warren, MI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Michigan State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.9%

$43.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,884/month

$106.6K

Additional Tax Information

Rockford, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Warren, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 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.