Moving from Des Moines to Rockford (2026)
Rockford has a COL index of 82 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Rockford to match your Des Moines lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Des Moines | Equivalent in Rockford |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,701 |
| $50K | $47,126 |
| $60K | $56,552 |
| $75K | $70,690 |
| $80K | $75,402 |
| $100K | $94,253 |
| $120K | $113,103 |
| $150K | $141,379 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Des Moines vs Rockford
| Expense | Des Moines | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,384 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $365 | $357 |
| Transport | $50 | $50 |
| Utilities | $155 | $158 |
| Internet | $60 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,554 | $2,755 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Rockford cheaper than Des Moines?
Yes. Rockford has a cost of living index of 82 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Des Moines to Rockford?
On a $75K salary, moving from Des Moines to Rockford could save roughly $157/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,884/year.
What salary do I need in Rockford to match my Des Moines lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Des Moines, you'd need roughly $70,690/year in Rockford. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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