63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Rockford wins 1–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Rockford wins 0–1 overall (71/100)
💰 Rockford is more affordable
💼 Rockford has lower unemployment
📋 Chicago vs Rockford — The Verdict
Rockford scores 71.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 1 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Rockford has a clear edge with home prices 63% lower. Rockford may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Rockford are 63% lower — a difference of $190,400 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Rockford saves you $408/month — that's $4,896 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $20,929 more per year (41% higher median income).
Median Home Value
$304,500
$114,100
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$906
Median Income
$71,673
$50,744
The affordability gap is significant — Rockford offers home prices 63% lower than Chicago, translating to $190,400 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)
60
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)
10
10
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Rockford: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Rockford is more affordable overall. Home prices are $190,400 lower in Rockford. Monthly rent is $906 in Rockford vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Rockford have better weather?
Rockford scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Rockford better for finding a job?
Rockford currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.6% in Rockford. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $50,744 in Rockford.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Rockford?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Rockford is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Rockford. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Rockford.
Should I move from Chicago to Rockford?
Based on our data, Rockford scores 71.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Rockford is more affordable, while Rockford has a better climate.
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📊 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.