Example household · Rockford, IL · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

Phoenix skyline

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Rockford vs Phoenix

Rockford and Phoenix

Photo: Wikimedia, Public domain

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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So you know: homicide deaths in Phoenix are close to the US rate in this release, 6.6 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Rockford to Phoenix

In 2022-2023, 133 households filed a move from Rockford to Phoenix (about 219 people, average adjusted gross income $59,647). 81 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $940 in Rockford and $1,277 in Phoenix. Rockford has a state tax on wages. Phoenix has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Phoenix is 97% of the national level for the same work, against 89% in Rockford.

Phoenix averages 299 sunny days, with July highs around 106°F and January nights around 46°F. Rockford is 195 sunny days, 82°F in July, 19°F in January. Commutes average 26 minutes in Phoenix and 24 in Rockford.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 133 households moved Rockford → Phoenix (about 219 people, average AGI $59,647). 81 households went the other way.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Rockford and Phoenix changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 1,682 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$3,450–$6,450
Container or pod
$2,450–$4,600
Rent a truck
$1,450–$2,750

Movers in Phoenix and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Phoenix cheaper than Rockford after tax and rent?

No. Phoenix leaves about $227 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $940 in Rockford and $1,277 in Phoenix.

Does Phoenix have state income tax?

Phoenix is in Arizona, which taxes wage income.

Did people actually move from Rockford to Phoenix?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.