Rockford, IL vs Waukegan, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Rockford is 17.9% cheaper than Waukegan. With a cost index of 70 vs 86, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Rockford to Waukegan should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Rockford is $954/month compared to $1,163/month in Waukegan — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rockford is more affordable at $120,900 median vs $177,600.

Median household income in Rockford is $53,328 compared to $70,578 in Waukegan (-24.4%). While Waukegan is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Rockford spend roughly 21.5% of their income on rent, more than the 19.8% in Waukegan.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.4°F vs 48.3°F). Rockford receives more rainfall at 37.2" per year compared to 35.3" in Waukegan.