An Overview of Cost of Living in Rockford, IL
Understanding the cost of living in Rockford can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Rockford cost of living index is 84, which is 16% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
Everyday necessities such as clothing, personal hygiene products and recreational activities collectively contribute to the overall cost of living. The favorable news is that in Rockford, these essential goods and services are priced 11.1% below the national average. This translates to the ability to procure essential items and indulge in leisure activities without depleting one's financial resources excessively. With the resulting savings, individuals have the opportunity to allocate additional funds towards their savings or other financial objectives.
What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Rockford?
Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 27 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Rockford and this is how they responded. 26% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 74% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.
Is Rockford Affordable?
Wondering if Rockford is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Rockford, for example, the median home price is 48.5% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 17.4% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Rockford boasting a median household income of $44,771, which is 19.1% lower than the national average.
What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Rockford?
Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Rockford, the transportation index is 9.7% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Rockford, the healthcare costs are 0.6% higher than the national average.
Where is the Data From?
The Rockford cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.
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