Median rent is 9% lower in Rockford ($954/mo vs $1,047/mo). Buying is cheaper in Rockford, where the median home runs $120,900 versus $138,600. Households earn more in Rockford ($53,328 vs $44,376 a year). Taken together, Rockford is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 90.7 against 91.0 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Rockford, IL.
City A
Birmingham, AL
City B
Rockford, IL
How much would you need to earn in Rockford, IL to maintain your standard of living from Birmingham, AL?
Equivalent salary in Rockford, IL
$74,715
You could earn $285 less (0% 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
Birmingham
Alabama
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Rockford at $954/mo compared to $1,047/mo in Birmingham (9% gap). Median home values are within 13% of each other: $138,600 in Birmingham and $120,900 in Rockford.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Alabama's top income tax rate is 5.00% versus 4.95% in Illinois, so Rockford is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in Alabama and 6.25% in Illinois; Birmingham has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Birmingham
Income tax: 5.00%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Rockford
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Rockford has cleaner air on average: 14.0 AQI (Good) compared to 38.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Rockford if you prioritize higher median household income ($53,328/yr).
Pick Rockford if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 14.0).
Pick Rockford if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Birmingham cheaper than Rockford?
Rockford is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 90.7 versus 91.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Rockford.
How much is rent in Birmingham vs Rockford?
Median rent is $1,047/mo in Birmingham, AL and $954/mo in Rockford, IL. Rockford, IL has the lower rent by about 9%.
Which has higher salaries — Birmingham or Rockford?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham, AL and $53,328 in Rockford, IL. Rockford, IL 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 38.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Birmingham or Rockford?
Alabama's top income tax rate is 5.00% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Rockford, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Rockford to match my Birmingham income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Birmingham, AL is equivalent to roughly $99,620 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