Moving from St. Paul to Rockford (2026)
Rockford has a COL index of 82 vs 97 for St. Paul (100 = US average). You'd pay about 15% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Rockford to match your St. Paul lifestyle
Based on the 15% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in St. Paul | Equivalent in Rockford |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,814 |
| $50K | $42,268 |
| $60K | $50,722 |
| $75K | $63,402 |
| $80K | $67,629 |
| $100K | $84,536 |
| $120K | $101,443 |
| $150K | $126,804 |
Monthly budget at $75K — St. Paul vs Rockford
| Expense | St. Paul | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $1,500 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $384 | $357 |
| Transport | $95 | $50 |
| Utilities | $195 | $158 |
| Internet | $63 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $1,885 | $2,755 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Rockford cheaper than St. Paul?
Yes. Rockford has a cost of living index of 82 vs 97 for St. Paul (100 = US average). That's about 15% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from St. Paul to Rockford?
On a $75K salary, moving from St. Paul to Rockford could save roughly $564/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,768/year.
What salary do I need in Rockford to match my St. Paul lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. Paul, you'd need roughly $63,402/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