Dayton vs Rockford
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Dayton
Rockford
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 1.3%, with Rockford being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Dayton has equivalent purchasing power to $74,063 in Rockford.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Dayton has the same purchasing power as $74,063 in Rockford.
Conversely, $75,000 in Rockford equals $75,949 in Dayton.
Living in Dayton vs Rockford
Housing Costs
Dayton's housing index of 46 is lower Rockford's 52, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $155,000. The $20,000 difference in home prices means roughly $1,296 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $900/mo in Dayton compared to $950/mo in Rockford, a monthly difference of $50.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Dayton and 99 in Rockford. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Dayton vs $470/month in Rockford. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 109 in Dayton and 92 in Rockford. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Dayton vs $368 in Rockford. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 114 in Dayton and 106 in Rockford. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $43,500 in Dayton and $53,300 in Rockford. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,375 and $67,468 respectively. Rockford residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,015/month to housing in Dayton vs $1,244/month in Rockford. In Dayton, median rent of $900/mo fits within this budget. In Rockford, median rent of $950/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 17 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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