Rockford wins overall by ~1% (COL index)
Cost of living: Peoria vs Rockford (2026)
A $60,000 salary in Peoria buys roughly what $59,277 does in Rockford (COL-adjusted). Your real trade-offs are taxes, rent, and day-to-day prices — we break them down and personalize below.
Your move simulator
Tell us about your household — we calculate your real annual savings.
Estimated annual swing
−$139/yr
Favoring Rockford for this income & household (illustrative).
With an extra $12/mo in Rockford, you could max a Roth IRA contribution faster and still grow your savings buffer.
Studio rent/mo
1BR rent/mo
2BR rent/mo
Median home price
Groceries index (100 = US avg)
Budget meal (1 person)
Mid-range dinner (2)
Monthly transit pass/mo
Gas price/gal
Car insurance/mo
Monthly utilities bundle/mo
Internet/mo
Median household income/yr
State income tax%
Sales tax (combined)%
Movie ticket
Gym membership/mo
Beer at restaurant
Overall COL index (100 = US avg)
Walk score / 100
| Category | Peoria Illinois | Rockford Illinois | Who wins | Your impact at $60K · 1br · 1 car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||||
| Studio rent/mo | $850Better | $850 | — | — |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,050Better | $1,050 | — | — |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,400Better | $1,400 | — | — |
| Median home price | $175KBetter | $175K | — | — |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 95 | 94Better | Rockford wins -1 | — |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12 | $11Better | Rockford wins −$1/mo | — |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $48Better | $48 | — | — |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $55 | $50Better | Rockford wins −$5/mo | — |
| Gas price/gal | $3.05Better | $3.05 | — | — |
| Car insurance/mo | $148Better | $148 | — | — |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $158Better | $158 | — | — |
| Internet/mo | $60 | $58Better | Rockford wins −$2/mo | — |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||||
| Median household income/yr | $50KBetter | $47K | Peoria wins −$3K more/yr | — |
| State income tax% | 5.0%Better | 5.0% | — | — |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 8.5%Better | 8.5% | — | — |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||||
| Movie ticket | $13.00Better | $13.00 | — | — |
| Gym membership/mo | $33Better | $33 | — | — |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.00Better | $5.00 | — | — |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 83 | 82Better | Rockford wins -1 | — |
| Walk score / 100 | 38Better | 34 | Peoria wins -4 more/yr | — |
Complete the Picture
While you’re comparing — don’t leave money on the table.
Tax-smart rewards
Maximize everyday spend in your new city
Rockford fits your move math — cash-back cards stack on groceries, gas, and dining you're already doing.
Home + auto bundle
New state — new insurance rates
Bundling often saves hundreds/yr. Compare before you sign a lease in Rockford.
High-yield savings
Grow your move fund while you shop for homes
Don't let relocation cash sit at 0% — put it to work until closing day.
More ways to compare this move
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While you’re comparing — don’t leave money on the table.
If cash is tight
Knock down high-interest debt first
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Invest the surplus on autopilot
Brokerages and robo-advisors help you dollar-cost average into the market with your new slack.
Frequently asked questions
Is Peoria cheaper than Rockford?
No. Rockford is 1% cheaper than Peoria based on overall cost of living indices (82 vs 83, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Peoria vs Rockford?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Peoria is $1,050/month and in Rockford is $1,050/month. Peoria is more expensive by 0%.
How much do I need to earn in Rockford to match a $75,000 salary in Peoria?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $74,096/year in Rockford to match a $75,000 salary in Peoria. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Peoria or Rockford?
Rockford has the lower state income tax rate at 5% vs 5%. The difference is 0.0 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Peoria to Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford 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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