Last updated 2026-07-10 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Below the national average overall, with housing the main reason Rockford stays affordable.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 84
Median 2BR rent: $950/mo
Housing: 60 vs 100
Groceries: 99 vs 100
Utilities: 103 vs 100
Transportation: 100 vs 100
Healthcare: 98 vs 100
Rockford offers four real seasons with cold winters and an affordable place to land in Illinois. Housing is the line item that moves your budget most, anchored here to a real median 2BR rent of about $950/mo.