City Comparison

London vs Rockford

Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

London

United Kingdom
115
Above Average
$695,000
Median Home
$2,400/mo
Median Rent
$55,000
Median Income

Rockford

Illinois
79
Very Affordable
$155,000
Median Home
$950/mo
Median Rent
$53,300
Median Income

The Verdict

45.6%

Living in Rockford costs 45.6% less than London. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in London, you would need $51,522 in Rockford.

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Housing
162
London
52
Rockford
Groceries
92
London
99
Rockford
Utilities
112
London
92
Rockford
Transportation
125
London
101
Rockford
Healthcare
78
London
106
Rockford

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in London has the same purchasing power as $51,522 in Rockford.

Conversely, $75,000 in Rockford equals $109,177 in London.

Living in London vs Rockford

Housing Costs

London's housing index of 162 is higher Rockford's 52, translating to median home prices of $695,000 vs $155,000. The $540,000 difference in home prices means roughly $35,100 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $2,400/mo in London compared to $950/mo in Rockford, a monthly difference of $1,450.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 92 in London and 99 in Rockford. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $437/month in London vs $470/month in Rockford. London offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $396/year.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 112 in London and 92 in Rockford. Monthly utility bills average approximately $448 in London 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 78 in London and 106 in Rockford. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 28-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $55,000 in London and $53,300 in Rockford. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $47,826 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 $1,283/month to housing in London vs $1,244/month in Rockford. In London, median rent of $2,400/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Rockford, median rent of $950/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 110 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford is 45.6% more affordable overall with an index of 79 vs 115.
A $75,000 salary in London has equivalent purchasing power to approximately $51,522 in Rockford, based on the cost of living difference.
London's housing index is 162 with median homes at $695,000, while Rockford's is 52 with median homes at $155,000.

Moving & Relocation Resources

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