Des Plaines, IL vs Rockford, IL

The cost of living difference between Des Plaines, IL and Rockford, IL is dramatic. Rockford is 49.8% cheaper than Des Plaines, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Des Plaines has a cost index of 105 while Rockford sits at 70, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Des Plaines is $1,435/month compared to $954/month in Rockford — a 50% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rockford is more affordable at $120,900 median vs $318,200.

Median household income in Des Plaines is $94,303 compared to $53,328 in Rockford (+76.8%). While Des Plaines is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Des Plaines spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, less than the 21.5% in Rockford.