Moving from Montgomery to Rockford (2026)

Rockford has a COL index of 82 vs 81 for Montgomery (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 1% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$0 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
81 โ†’ 82
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,050 โ†’ $1,050
per month
State tax
5% โ†’ 5%
income tax
COL difference
81 โ†’ 82
1% more expensive

Salary needed in Rockford to match your Montgomery lifestyle

Based on the 1% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in MontgomeryEquivalent in Rockford
$40K$40,494
$50K$50,617
$60K$60,741
$75K$75,926
$80K$80,988
$100K$101,235
$120K$121,481
$150K$151,852

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Pay ~$4/mo moreon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Montgomery vs Rockford

ExpenseMontgomeryRockford
Monthly take-home$4,428$4,428
1BR rent$1,050$1,050
Groceries$353$357
Transport$38$50
Utilities$170$158
Internet$58$58
Left after essentials$2,759$2,755

Frequently asked questions

Is Rockford cheaper than Montgomery?

No. Rockford has a cost of living index of 82 vs 81 for Montgomery (100 = US average). That's about 1% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Montgomery to Rockford?

On a $75K salary, core expenses in Rockford run about $0/month more than Montgomery. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.

What salary do I need in Rockford to match my Montgomery lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Montgomery, you'd need roughly $75,926/year in Rockford. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only