Median rent is 42% lower in Rockford ($954/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Rockford, where the median home runs $120,900 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $53,328 a year). Taken together, Rockford is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 90.7 against 98.8 — about 8% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Rockford is 8% cheaper overall
Cost index: 90.7 in Rockford vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Rockford, IL
How much would you need to earn in Rockford, IL to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Rockford, IL
$68,830
You could earn $6,170 less (8% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Rockford
Illinois
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Rockford — median rent of $954/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 42% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $120,900 in Rockford — 76% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Illinois tops out at 4.95% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.25% in Illinois; Rockford has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Rockford
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Rockford has cleaner air on average: 14.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Rockford if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 90.7 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Rockford if you prioritize cheaper rent ($954/mo median).
Pick Rockford if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 14.0).
Is Austin cheaper than Rockford?
Rockford is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 90.7 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 8% lower in Rockford.
How much is rent in Austin vs Rockford?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $954/mo in Rockford, IL. Rockford, IL has the lower rent by about 42%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Rockford?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $53,328 in Rockford, IL. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Rockford, IL has better air quality on average: 14.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Rockford?
Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Rockford to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $91,773 in Rockford, IL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology