Median rent is 12% lower in Rockford ($954/mo vs $1,079/mo). Buying is cheaper in Rockford, where the median home runs $120,900 versus $242,200. Households earn more in Tucson ($54,546 vs $53,328 a year). Taken together, Tucson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 90.6 against 90.7 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Tucson, AZ.
City A
Rockford, IL
City B
Tucson, AZ
How much would you need to earn in Tucson, AZ to maintain your standard of living from Rockford, IL?
Equivalent salary in Tucson, AZ
$74,897
You could earn $103 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
Rockford
Illinois
Tucson
Arizona
👥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 $1,079/mo in Tucson (12% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Tucson: the median home is $242,200 versus $120,900 in Rockford — 50% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 2.50% in Arizona, so Tucson is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 5.60% in Arizona; Tucson has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Rockford
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Tucson
Income tax: 2.50%
Sales tax: 5.60%
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 cheaper rent ($954/mo median).
Pick Rockford if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 14.0).
Pick Tucson if you prioritize lower state income tax (2.50%).
Is Rockford cheaper than Tucson?
Tucson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 90.6 versus 90.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Tucson.
How much is rent in Rockford vs Tucson?
Median rent is $954/mo in Rockford, IL and $1,079/mo in Tucson, AZ. Rockford, IL has the lower rent by about 12%.
Which has higher salaries — Rockford or Tucson?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford, IL and $54,546 in Tucson, AZ. Tucson, AZ 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 — Rockford or Tucson?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Arizona's is 2.50%. Tucson, AZ has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Tucson to match my Rockford income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Rockford, IL is equivalent to roughly $99,863 in Tucson, AZ (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