Cost of Living in Rock Island, IL
Population 36,758 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Rock Island's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $57,292 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.5% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 6 miles south of Davenport, Rock Island falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 27% lower than Davenport's $163,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rock Island
The median home value in Rock Island is $118,400 — 61% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $819/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,292/year is 23% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 61.5°F and lows of 40.9°F, with about 36.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Rock Island has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 37 | 50 | 63 | 74 | 83 | 86 | 84 | 78 | 65 | 50 | 37 |
| Low °F | 15 | 19 | 30 | 40 | 51 | 61 | 65 | 63 | 54 | 43 | 31 | 21 |
| Precip" | 1.66 | 1.83 | 2.62 | 3.81 | 4.67 | 5.01 | 4.23 | 3.97 | 3.32 | 2.81 | 2.30 | 2.04 |
| Snow" | 10.8 | 8.6 | 4.4 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 2.1 | 8.8 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rock Island, IL?
Rock Island has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rock Island, IL?
The median gross rent in Rock Island is $819 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rock Island?
The median home value in Rock Island is $118,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rock Island?
The median household income in Rock Island is $57,292 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rock Island, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rock Island is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Rock Island, IL affordable?
Yes, Rock Island is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Rock Island?
Rock Island has average high temperatures of 61.5°F and average lows of 40.9°F. Annual precipitation is 38.3". Average annual snowfall is 36.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Rock Island at a Glance
- Population
- 36,758
- Median Income
- $57,292
- Home Value
- $118,400
- Median Rent
- $819/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs