Cost of Living: El Paso vs Rockford (2026)
El Paso has a 2% lower overall cost of living than Rockford as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,050/mo in Rockford vs $1,050/mo in El Paso — a 0% difference. El Paso has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in Rockford (5% rate).
- El Paso is 2% cheaper overall (COL index: 80 vs 82)
- 1BR rent: $1,050/mo in Rockford vs $1,050/mo — 0% savings
- El Paso has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: El Paso ($48,000/yr vs $47,000/yr)
- Median home price: $175,000 in Rockford vs $215,000 — 19% difference
| Category | El Paso Texas | Rockford Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $850Best | $850 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,050Best | $1,050 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,400Best | $1,400 |
| Median home price | $215K | $175KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 91Best | 94 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $11Best | $11 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $46Best | $48 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $40Best | $50 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.00Best | $3.05 |
| Car insurance/mo | $162 | $148Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $175 | $158Best |
| Internet/mo | $60 | $58Best |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $48KBest | $47K |
| State income tax% | 0.0%Best | 5.0% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 8.3%Best | 8.5% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $13.00Best | $13.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $32Best | $33 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.00Best | $5.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 80Best | 82 |
| Walk score / 100 | 28 | 34Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is El Paso cheaper than Rockford?
Yes. El Paso is 2% cheaper than Rockford based on overall cost of living indices (80 vs 82, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in El Paso vs Rockford?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in El Paso is $1,050/month and in Rockford is $1,050/month. El Paso is more expensive by 0%.
How much do I need to earn in Rockford to match a $75,000 salary in El Paso?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $76,875/year in Rockford to match a $75,000 salary in El Paso. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — El Paso or Rockford?
El Paso has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 5%. El Paso has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from El Paso to Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. El Paso offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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