Memphis vs Rockford
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Memphis
Rockford
💡 The Verdict
Rockford is 5% cheaper than Memphis overall. A $75,000 salary in Memphis is equivalent to $71,429 in Rockford.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Memphis (left) vs Rockford (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Memphis versus Rockford. Differences shown from Memphis perspective.
| Item | Memphis | Rockford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $720/mo | $870/mo | $-150.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,000/mo | $1,230/mo | $-230.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $1,300/mo | $1,520/mo | $-220.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.40 | $2.56 | $-0.16 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.74 | $3.40 | +$0.34 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.05 | $3.06 | $-0.01 |
| Coffee (latte) | $5.47 | $4.75 | +$0.72 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.29 | $3.00 | +$0.29 |
| Restaurant Meal | $13.90 | $12.96 | +$0.94 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Memphis has the same purchasing power as $71,429 in Rockford.
Conversely, $75,000 in Rockford equals $78,750 in Memphis.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $3676 difference is driven by Illinois having a higher state income tax rate. Tennessee details → · Illinois details →
Reading These Numbers: Memphis (84) vs Rockford (80)
Memphis at 84 is 16% below the US average, while Rockford at 80 is 20% below average. The cost difference between these cities is relatively modest.
In Memphis, the composite index of 84 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 63, followed by groceries (93), utilities (88), transportation (98), and healthcare (92). Costs are fairly balanced across categories.
For renters: With median rents of $1,000/mo in Memphis and $1,230/mo in Rockford, the annual rent difference is approximately $2,760.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $13,800.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $155,000.0 difference in median home prices between Memphis and Rockford translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Memphis vs Rockford
Choosing between Memphis and Rockford involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Memphis and Rockford can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.