Moving from Durham to Rockford (2026)
Rockford has a COL index of 82 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). You'd pay about 20% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$748/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10282
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,750$1,050
per month
State tax
4.5%5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,428
per month
Salary needed in Rockford to match your Durham lifestyle
Based on the 20% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Durham | Equivalent in Rockford |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,157 |
| $50K | $40,196 |
| $60K | $48,235 |
| $75K | $60,294 |
| $80K | $64,314 |
| $100K | $80,392 |
| $120K | $96,471 |
| $150K | $120,588 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Durham vs Rockford
| Expense | Durham | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $372 | $357 |
| Transport | $82 | $50 |
| Utilities | $155 | $158 |
| Internet | $62 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,038 | $2,755 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Rockford cheaper than Durham?
Yes. Rockford has a cost of living index of 82 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). That's about 20% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Durham to Rockford?
On a $75K salary, moving from Durham to Rockford could save roughly $748/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,976/year.
What salary do I need in Rockford to match my Durham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Durham, you'd need roughly $60,294/year in Rockford. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Rockford to DurhamDurham vs Rockford — full comparisonDurham 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