68
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Aurora wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Rockford wins 2–1 overall (71/100)
💰 Rockford is more affordable
💼 Rockford has lower unemployment
🛡️ Aurora has fewer disasters
📋 Aurora vs Rockford — The Verdict
Aurora scores 68.5/100 compared to Rockford's 71.8/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Rockford has a clear edge with home prices 53% lower. Rockford may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Rockford are 53% lower — a difference of $127,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Rockford saves you $556/month — that's $6,672 per year.
💵
Households in Aurora earn $35,199 more per year (69% higher median income).
🛡️
Aurora has experienced 4 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$241,600
$114,100
Median Rent /mo
$1,462
$906
Median Income
$85,943
$50,744
The affordability gap is significant — Rockford offers home prices 53% lower than Aurora, translating to $127,500 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.6%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
69 Moderate
68 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
6
10
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Aurora to Rockford: Common Questions
Is Aurora or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Rockford is more affordable overall. Home prices are $127,500 lower in Rockford. Monthly rent is $906 in Rockford vs $1,462 in Aurora.
Does Aurora or Rockford have better weather?
Rockford scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Aurora or Rockford better for finding a job?
Rockford currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Aurora vs 4.6% in Rockford. Median household income is $85,943 in Aurora and $50,744 in Rockford.
Which city is safer — Aurora or Rockford?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Aurora is safer. Aurora has had 6 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Rockford. Aurora scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Rockford.
Should I move from Aurora to Rockford?
Based on our data, Rockford scores 71.8/100 vs Aurora's 68.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Rockford is more affordable, while Rockford has a better climate.
Planning to move from Aurora to Rockford?
Compare quotes from top-rated moving companies and save up to 40%
Get Free Moving Quotes →
📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.