Cost of Living: Evansville vs Rockford (2026)
Evansville has a 2% lower overall cost of living than Rockford as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $990/mo in Evansville vs $1,050/mo in Rockford — a 6% difference. Evansville has a lower state income tax rate (3.2% vs 5%), which adds up over time.
- Evansville is 2% cheaper overall (COL index: 80 vs 82)
- 1BR rent: $990/mo in Evansville vs $1,050/mo — 6% savings
- Higher median household income: Evansville ($48,000/yr vs $47,000/yr)
- Median home price: $175,000 in Rockford vs $185,000 — 5% difference
| Category | Evansville Indiana | Rockford Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $800Best | $850 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $990Best | $1,050 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,300Best | $1,400 |
| Median home price | $185K | $175KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 93Best | 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 | $138Best | $148 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $152Best | $158 |
| Internet/mo | $58Best | $58 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $48KBest | $47K |
| State income tax% | 3.2%Best | 5.0% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 7.0%Best | 8.5% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $13.00Best | $13.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $30Best | $33 |
| Beer at restaurant | $4.50Best | $5.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 80Best | 82 |
| Walk score / 100 | 28 | 34Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Evansville cheaper than Rockford?
Yes. Evansville 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 Evansville vs Rockford?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Evansville is $990/month and in Rockford is $1,050/month. Evansville is cheaper by 6%.
How much do I need to earn in Rockford to match a $75,000 salary in Evansville?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $76,875/year in Rockford to match a $75,000 salary in Evansville. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Evansville or Rockford?
Evansville has the lower state income tax rate at 3.2% vs 5%. The difference is 1.8 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Evansville to Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Evansville offers lower overall costs, 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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