Rockford tops list of most affordable mid-sized cities in northern Illinois and Chicagoland

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Northern Illinois and Chicagoland are home to several mid-sized cities that offer urban amenities without the cost of major metros.

And when it comes affordability, Rockford tops the list. Here are the Top 10, based on cost of living compared to the national average.

1. Rockford

• Cost of Living: 5.3% below national average 
• Population: 146,000
• Median Household Income: $53,328

2.

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Elgin

• Cost of Living: 2.5% below national average 
• Population: 113,000
• Median Household Income: $88,316

3. Waukegan

• Cost of Living: 1.5% below national average
• Population: 89,000
• Median Household Income: $70,578

4. Aurora

• Cost of Living: 3.0% below national average 
• Population: 177,000
• Median Household Income: $90,109

5. Joliet

• Cost of Living: 1.0% above national average
• Population: 50,000
• Median Household Income: $88,026

6. Cicero

• Cost of Living: 2.0% above national average
• Population: 84,000
• Median Household Income: $68,548

7. Berwyn

• Cost of Living: 4.0% above national average
• Population: 57,000
• Median Household Income: $75,235

8. Oak Lawn

• Cost of Living: 5.0% above national average
• Population: 58,000
• Median Household Income: $82,493

9. Des Plaines

• Cost of Living: 6.0% above national average
• Population: 60,000
• Median Household Income: $94,303

10. Naperville

• Cost of Living: 35.0% above national average 
• Population: 150,000
• Median Household Income: $152,181

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Final thought

While Chicagoland offers a wide range of mid-sized cities with access to jobs, transit, and culture, Rockford, Elgin, and Waukegan stand out for their affordability.

About the data

Cost-of-living estimates are based on publicly available data from sources including salary.com, the U.S. Census Bureau, BestPlaces.net, and city-level economic reports. Percentages reflect how each city compares to the national average in terms of housing, transportation, utilities, and overall expenses. Population figures are rounded estimates from the most recent census and municipal records.