Median rent is 32% lower in Rockford ($954/mo vs $1,404/mo). Buying is cheaper in Rockford, where the median home runs $120,900 versus $391,300. Households earn more in Hoover ($107,822 vs $53,328 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 Hoover, AL.
City A
Hoover, AL
City B
Rockford, IL
How much would you need to earn in Rockford, IL to maintain your standard of living from Hoover, 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
Hoover
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Rockford — median rent of $954/mo versus $1,404/mo in Hoover, a 32% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Hoover: the median home is $391,300 versus $120,900 in Rockford — 69% more expensive.
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; Hoover has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Hoover
Income tax: 5.00%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Rockford
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Rockford (avg AQI 14.0) but not yet for Hoover.
Pick Hoover if you prioritize higher median household income ($107,822/yr).
Pick Rockford if you prioritize cheaper rent ($954/mo median).
Pick Rockford if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Hoover 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 Hoover vs Rockford?
Median rent is $1,404/mo in Hoover, AL and $954/mo in Rockford, IL. Rockford, IL has the lower rent by about 32%.
Which has higher salaries — Hoover or Rockford?
Median household income is $107,822 in Hoover, AL and $53,328 in Rockford, IL. Hoover, AL 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Hoover 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 Hoover income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Hoover, 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