Median rent is 30% lower in Rockford ($954/mo vs $1,359/mo). Buying is cheaper in Rockford, where the median home runs $120,900 versus $456,000. Households earn more in Boise City ($81,308 vs $53,328 a year). Taken together, Rockford is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 90.7 against 91.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boise City, ID.
City A
Boise City, ID
City B
Rockford, IL
How much would you need to earn in Rockford, IL to maintain your standard of living from Boise City, ID?
Equivalent salary in Rockford, IL
$74,689
You could earn $311 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
Boise City
Idaho
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 $1,359/mo in Boise City, a 30% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Boise City: the median home is $456,000 versus $120,900 in Rockford — 73% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Idaho's top income tax rate is 5.80% versus 4.95% in Illinois, so Rockford is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Idaho and 6.25% in Illinois; Boise City has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Boise City
Income tax: 5.80%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Rockford
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Rockford has cleaner air on average: 14.0 AQI (Good) compared to 24.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Boise City if you prioritize higher median household income ($81,308/yr).
Pick Rockford if you prioritize cheaper rent ($954/mo median).
Pick Rockford if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 14.0).
Pick Rockford if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Boise City cheaper than Rockford?
Rockford is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 90.7 versus 91.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Rockford.
How much is rent in Boise City vs Rockford?
Median rent is $1,359/mo in Boise City, ID and $954/mo in Rockford, IL. Rockford, IL has the lower rent by about 30%.
Which has higher salaries — Boise City or Rockford?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise City, ID and $53,328 in Rockford, IL. Boise City, ID 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 24.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Boise City or Rockford?
Idaho's top income tax rate is 5.80% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Rockford, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Rockford to match my Boise City income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Boise City, ID is equivalent to roughly $99,586 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