CostIndexUSA

Phoenix, AZ vs Rockford, IL Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

AZ
Phoenix
103.3
overall index
$1,725/mo rent
More AffordableIL
Rockford
92.2
overall index
$1,200/mo rent

Rockford is moderately cheaper than Phoenix — 10.7% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Phoenix, you would need $71,400 in Rockford. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing42.2%
Phoenix
121.2
Rockford
70.1
🛒 Groceries1.5%
Phoenix
95
Rockford
93.6
🚗 Transportation4.2%
Phoenix
109.2
Rockford
104.6
🏥 Healthcare4.3%
Phoenix
98.8
Rockford
94.6
Utilities4.2%
Phoenix
93.3
Rockford
89.4

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Phoenix to see what you'd need to earn in Rockford to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Rockford, IL
$71,400
$8,600 less needed in Rockford

Formula: salary × (92.2 ÷ 103.3) = salary × 0.8925. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Phoenix, AZ

Median Home Price
$442,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,725
Housing Index
121.2
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.4×

Rockford, IL

Median Home Price
$206,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,200
Housing Index
70.1
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.3×

Phoenix has 42.2% lower housing costs compared to Rockford.

Income & Job Market

Phoenix, AZ

Median Household Income
$85,700
Per Capita Income
$48,800
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Population
1,608,139
Top Industries
TechnologyHealthcareReal EstateTourismFinance

Rockford, IL

Median Household Income
$67,000
Per Capita Income
$38,200
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
Population
148,123
Top Industries
ManufacturingHealthcareFinanceRetailEducation

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Phoenix, AZ
4.1×income-to-rent ratio

76% of income left after rent (median)

Rockford, IL
4.7×income-to-rent ratio

79% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.