Cost of Living in Rockford, IL - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $896 (excluding rent), and $2,152 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,073 (excluding rent), and $3,830 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$15.15 $15.15

$12.12 $12.12

$55.5 $55.5

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$63.8 $63.8

$34.36 $34.36

$128 $128

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.11 $9.11

$8.1 $8.1

$12.15 $12.15

Cappuccino

$5.06 $5.06

$3.93 $3.93

$6.87 $6.87

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.99 $1.99

$1.94 $1.94

$3.89 $3.89

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.46 $1.46

$1.02 $1.02

$3.07 $3.07

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.1 $4.1

$7.17 $7.17

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.03 $6.03

$8.04 $8.04

Milk (1 liter)

$0.67 $0.67

$0.98 $0.98

White Bread (500g)

$2.25 $2.25

$1.69 $1.69

$11.3 $11.3

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.37 $4.37

$1.71 $1.71

$8.57 $8.57

Eggs

$1.74 $1.74

$6.18 $6.18

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.8 $7.8

$6.49 $6.49

$13.02 $13.02

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$12.42 $12.42

$4.57 $4.57

$15.23 $15.23

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.45 $15.45

$13.36 $13.36

$17.79 $17.79

Apples (1kg)

$5.83 $5.83

$4.5 $4.5

$9.03 $9.03

Banana (1kg)

$1.07 $1.07

$0.9 $0.9

$4.53 $4.53

Oranges (1kg)

$4.71 $4.71

$2.49 $2.49

$6.78 $6.78

Tomato (1kg)

$4.82 $4.82

$2.15 $2.15

$6.35 $6.35

Potato (1kg)

$2.2 $2.2

$1.11 $1.11

$4.52 $4.52

Onion (1kg)

$2.11 $2.11

$1.49 $1.49

$6.47 $6.47

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.48 $1.48

$1.28 $1.28

$2.96 $2.96

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.69 $2.69

$1.51 $1.51

$3.02 $3.02

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.34 $10.34

$9.65 $9.65

$11.12 $11.12

Wine (Bottle)

$19.88 $19.88

$25.83 $25.83

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.69 $1.69

$2.34 $2.34

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.44 $3.44

$1.48 $1.48

$4.92 $4.92

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.53 $1.53

$1.27 $1.27

$2.04 $2.04

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$55.4 $55.4

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.74 $2.74

$4.4 $4.4

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.64 $1.64

$2.87 $2.87

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$20.88 $20.88

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.81 $0.81

$0.71 $0.71

$1 $1

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$30.3K $30.3K

$23.3K $23.3K

$35.9K $35.9K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.8K $25.8K

$24.4K $24.4K

$25.8K $25.8K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$187 $187

$153 $153

$234 $234

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$43.39 $43.39

$35.32 $35.32

$80.7 $80.7

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$63.3 $63.3

$49.65 $49.65

$119 $119

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.97 $43.97

$17.49 $17.49

$49.97 $49.97

Cinema Ticket

$15.01 $15.01

$10.2 $10.2

$17.83 $17.83

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$513 $513

$212 $212

$2,340 $2,340

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,045 $4,045

$24.5K $24.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$42.43 $42.43

$11.84 $11.84

$98.7 $98.7

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$45.32 $45.32

$25.18 $25.18

$50.4 $50.4

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$79.4 $79.4

$44.67 $44.67

$149 $149

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$94.9 $94.9

$54 $54

$200 $200

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,477 $1,477

$1,182 $1,182

$1,829 $1,829

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$940 $940

$891 $891

$990 $990

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,502 $1,502

$967 $967

$2,037 $2,037

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,227 $1,227

$883 $883

$1,570 $1,570

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,489 $1,489

$1,362 $1,362

$1,602 $1,602

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,410 $1,410

$1,335 $1,335

$1,474 $1,474

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,341 $3,341

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.77

3.12

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Rockford, IL - Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford tends to be friendlier to your wallet than major coastal hubs, making it a practical base for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. The Cost of Living in Rockford, IL, United States is characterized by roomy housing options, modest utilities, and affordable daily expenses compared with larger metros. Expect quieter streets, a walkable downtown, and a mix of neighborhoods offering renting or buying opportunities to fit different budgets. You’ll find local shops, casual dining, and seasonal events that help you stretch your dollar without sacrificing quality. Tip: Start your housing search near transit routes or amenities to balance price and convenience.

Daily life in Rockford supports practical budgeting for housing, food, transport, and work spaces. Neighborhoods near the downtown or riverfront often balance price with access to amenities, while farther districts can offer quieter streets and larger homes. Shopping options range from farmers markets and ethnic groceries to casual eateries, helping you diversify meals without overspending. Public transit exists, and biking is feasible in many areas, though many residents still rely on a car for longer trips. Co-working spaces and cafes with reliable Wi-Fi provide flexible work hubs for remote projects. Rockford, IL, United States living cost helps you frame day-to-day priorities across errands and meals. Tip: Build a simple weekly shopping plan to minimize impulse buys and group errands by neighborhood.

To maximize life quality, adopt a simple three-category budget plan and seasonal planning. Divide expenses into essentials (housing, utilities, groceries), flexible spending (dining out, entertainment), and savings. The winter months tend to increase heating needs, while summer brings outdoor activity costs. Choose neighborhoods by vibe: downtown offers quick access to events and services, while quieter areas around parks suit longer stays and family life. Leverage libraries, parks, and community centers for low-cost recreation and social connection. Tip: Revisit your plan every season and adjust as seasons and work rhythms change.