Moving from Rockford, IL to Cleveland, OH
The 425 mi from Rockford to Cleveland translate to about 8h 10m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
425 mi Β· 8h 10m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rockford | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.154 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.378 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 70.076 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Rockford (92.154) and Cleveland (93.923) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Cleveland: 1.9% below Rockford on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Rockford +9.9%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rockford | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 37.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.2" | 33.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rockford | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,649 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $53,328 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.9% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.18 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 1.9% between Rockford and Cleveland (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Rockford?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $177,225 in Rockford β a 34.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Rockford?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 1.9% higher than Rockford (93.923 vs 92.154, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Rockford vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $53,328 in Rockford β a 26.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Rockford, IL?
The driving distance is 425 mi and the route typically takes 8h 10m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Rockford to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 425 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rockford.
City profiles: Rockford, IL Β· Cleveland, OH.