Cicero, IL vs Rockford, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Rockford is 26.7% cheaper than Cicero. With a cost index of 70 vs 89, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Rockford to Cicero should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cicero is $1,121/month compared to $954/month in Rockford — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rockford is more affordable at $120,900 median vs $236,000.

Median household income in Cicero is $68,548 compared to $53,328 in Rockford (+28.5%). While Cicero is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Cicero spend roughly 19.6% of their income on rent, less than the 21.5% in Rockford.