Moving from Dayton to Rockford (2026)
Rockford has a COL index of 82 vs 83 for Dayton (100 = US average). You'd pay about 1% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$68/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8382
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,100$1,050
per month
State tax
3.5%5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,522$4,428
per month
Salary needed in Rockford to match your Dayton lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Dayton | Equivalent in Rockford |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,518 |
| $50K | $49,398 |
| $60K | $59,277 |
| $75K | $74,096 |
| $80K | $79,036 |
| $100K | $98,795 |
| $120K | $118,554 |
| $150K | $148,193 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Dayton vs Rockford
| Expense | Dayton | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,522 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $1,100 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $361 | $357 |
| Transport | $60 | $50 |
| Utilities | $162 | $158 |
| Internet | $58 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,781 | $2,755 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Rockford cheaper than Dayton?
Yes. Rockford has a cost of living index of 82 vs 83 for Dayton (100 = US average). That's about 1% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Dayton to Rockford?
On a $75K salary, moving from Dayton to Rockford could save roughly $68/month on core expenses. That's ~$816/year.
What salary do I need in Rockford to match my Dayton lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Dayton, you'd need roughly $74,096/year in Rockford. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Rockford to DaytonDayton vs Rockford — full comparisonDayton cost of livingRockford cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only