Erie vs Rockford
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Erie
Rockford
The Verdict
Living in Rockford costs 2.5% less than Erie. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Erie, you would need $73,148 in Rockford.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Erie has the same purchasing power as $73,148 in Rockford.
Conversely, $75,000 in Rockford equals $76,899 in Erie.
Living in Erie vs Rockford
Housing Costs
Erie's housing index of 55 is higher Rockford's 52, translating to median home prices of $165,000 vs $155,000. The $10,000 difference in home prices means roughly $648 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $925/mo in Erie compared to $950/mo in Rockford, a monthly difference of $25.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 97 in Erie and 99 in Rockford. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $461/month in Erie 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 Erie and 92 in Rockford. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Erie 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 89 in Erie and 106 in Rockford. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 17-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $43,400 in Erie and $53,300 in Rockford. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $53,580 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 $1,013/month to housing in Erie vs $1,244/month in Rockford. In Erie, median rent of $925/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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