Rockford, Illinois

• Average monthly rent in 2019: $880

Rockford residents never have to go a day without exploring the great outdoors. With over 10,000 acres of rivers, forests, and lakes, you’ll surely find as many recreational areas in the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County as you desire.

Would you like to visit the premier Japanese gardens in North America? You’ve come to the right place. Once you’ve paid your ridiculously low rent, head on over to the Anderson Japanese Gardens!

Want to spend your days looking at artwork or pieces of history? With the Rockford Art Museum and the Burpee Museum of Natural History in your back garden, you’ll never run out of things to see or do.