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 March 26, 2026, the average rent in Rockford is $1,011, which is 3.6% 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

$917/Month

Units Available

14 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Rockford neighborhood on a budget, check out Southwest Rockford. The average rent is $917, compared to the city average of $1,011. Southwest Rockford is convenient to Chicago/Rockford International, Kishwaukee College, and Fuller Memorial Preserve.

Central/Southwest Rockford

Average Rent

$917/Month

Units Available

14 Rentals

Central/Southwest Rockford is an affordable neighborhood in Rockford with an average rent price of $917. Compare this to the city average of $1,011. Central/Southwest Rockford provides easy access to Carl & Lois Klehm Preserve, Rasmussen College-Illinois, and Fuller Memorial Preserve.

Northwest Rockford

Average Rent

$931/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.8%

Units Available

31 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Rockford, Northwest Rockford might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $931, while the city’s average stands at $1,011. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.8%. Northwest Rockford is near Rockford University, Rasmussen College-Illinois, and Rockton Avenue Center.

South Rockford

Average Rent

$1,066/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.1%

Units Available

38 Rentals

South Rockford is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in South Rockford is $1,066 while the city average is $1,011. This is a 3.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Rasmussen College-Illinois, Trailside Preserve, and Rockford Rotary Preserve.

Great Oaks

Average Rent

$1,068/Month

Units Available

35 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Rockford neighborhood on a budget, check out Great Oaks. The average rent is $1,068, compared to the city average of $1,011. Great Oaks is convenient to Colonial Village Mall, Rock Valley College, and Kishwaukee Gorge South Preserve.

Midtown/East

Average Rent

$1,081/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.5%

Units Available

65 Rentals

Midtown/East is an affordable neighborhood in Rockford with an average rent price of $1,081. Compare this to the city average of $1,011. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 5.5%. Midtown/East provides easy access to Kishwaukee College, Rock Valley College, and The Shops Of Edgebrook.

Midtown Rockford

Average Rent

$1,127/Month

Units Available

13 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Rockford, Midtown Rockford might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,127, while the city’s average stands at $1,011. Midtown Rockford is near Chicago/Rockford International, Burpee Museum of Natural History, and Tinker Swiss Cottage & Gardens.

East Rockford

Average Rent

$1,203/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.1%

Units Available

36 Rentals

East Rockford is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in East Rockford is $1,203 while the city average is $1,011. This is a 5.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Whitehouse Plaza, Kishwaukee College, and Rockford University.

Ready to make your move to Rockford? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!

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.