Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Rockford, IL
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Rockford are Southwest Rockford, Central/Southwest Rockford, and Northwest Rockford. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Rockford, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of February 8, 2026, the average rent in Rockford is $1,016, which is 4.3% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Southwest Rockford
Average Rent
$932/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
Southwest Rockford is an affordable neighborhood in Rockford with an average rent price of $932. Compare this to the city average of $1,016. Southwest Rockford provides easy access to Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Southgate Shopping Center, and College Ave. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 21.
Central/Southwest Rockford
Average Rent
$932/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Rockford, Central/Southwest Rockford might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $932, while the city’s average stands at $1,016. Central/Southwest Rockford is near Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Rock Valley College, and Severson Dells Nature Center.
Northwest Rockford
Average Rent
$935/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
34 Rentals
Northwest Rockford is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Northwest Rockford is $935 while the city average is $1,016. This is a 1.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, Rockford University, and Kishwaukee College. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 51.
Midtown/East
Average Rent
$1,019/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.6%
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
55 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Rockford neighborhood on a budget, check out Midtown/East. The average rent is $1,019, compared to the city average of $1,016. Rent prices have increased by 2.6%. Midtown/East is convenient to The Shops Of Edgebrook, Burpee Museum of Natural History, and Kishwaukee College. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 53.
Midtown Rockford
Average Rent
$1,095/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
Midtown Rockford is an affordable neighborhood in Rockford with an average rent price of $1,095. Compare this to the city average of $1,016. Midtown Rockford provides easy access to Chicago/Rockford International, Burpee Museum of Natural History, and College Ave. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 80.
East Rockford
Average Rent
$1,104/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.5%
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
29 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Rockford, East Rockford might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,104, while the city’s average stands at $1,016. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.5%. East Rockford is near Burpee Museum of Natural History, Discovery Center Museum, and Kishwaukee College.
Great Oaks
Average Rent
$1,111/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
33 Rentals
Great Oaks is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Great Oaks is $1,111 while the city average is $1,016. Residents enjoy convenient access to Alpine Village, Kishwaukee Gorge South Preserve, and Chicago/Rockford International. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 10.
South Rockford
Average Rent
$1,137/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.4%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
38 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Rockford neighborhood on a budget, check out South Rockford. The average rent is $1,137, compared to the city average of $1,016. Rent prices have decreased by 7.4%. South Rockford is convenient to Kishwaukee Gorge South Preserve, 11th Street Plaza, and Southgate Shopping Center. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 54.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.