55
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
It's a tie 1–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Rockford wins 1–1 overall (71/100)
💰 Rockford is more affordable
💼 Rockford has lower unemployment
🛡️ New York has fewer disasters
📋 New York vs Rockford — The Verdict
It's a close call — New York (55.2/100) and Rockford (71.8/100) each win 1 categories. On affordability, Rockford has a clear edge with home prices 84% lower. Rockford may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Rockford are 84% lower — a difference of $618,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Rockford saves you $808/month — that's $9,696 per year.
💵
Households in New York earn $25,863 more per year (51% higher median income).
Median Home Value
$732,100
$114,100
Median Rent /mo
$1,714
$906
Median Income
$76,607
$50,744
The affordability gap is significant — Rockford offers home prices 84% lower than New York, translating to $618,000 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)
0
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)
9
10
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from New York to Rockford: Common Questions
Is New York or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Rockford is more affordable overall. Home prices are $618,000 lower in Rockford. Monthly rent is $906 in Rockford vs $1,714 in New York.
Does New York or Rockford have better weather?
Rockford scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is New York or Rockford better for finding a job?
Rockford currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in New York vs 4.6% in Rockford. Median household income is $76,607 in New York and $50,744 in Rockford.
Which city is safer — New York or Rockford?
In terms of natural disaster risk, New York is safer. New York has had 9 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Rockford. New York scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Rockford.
Should I move from New York to Rockford?
Based on our data, Rockford scores 71.8/100 vs New York's 55.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Rockford is more affordable, while Rockford has a better climate.
Planning to move from New York to Rockford?
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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 5, 2026.