Rock Island, IL, United States Hero Image
Wikipedia Contributor, CC BY-SA

Rock Island, IL, United States

Data updated Oct 9, 2026

Follows United States Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →

📊 Scores

65
FIRE
60
Retiree
65
Digital Nomad

Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 65)

Rock Island sits on the Mississippi River in western Illinois, just three kilometers from the Quad City International Airport (MLI). The city's humid continental climate brings hot, humid summers from June through August and cold, snowy winters from December through February, with mild spring and fall transitions. Expats here tend to settle in the Broadway neighborhood, a small but welcoming community that offers easy access to local amenities and a slower pace of life. At 180 meters above sea level, the city feels grounded and approachable, with a population of about 37,000 people.

Estimate the cost of moving to Rock Island, IL, United States

Get a free moving cost estimate for moving to Rock Island, IL, United States. Takes 10 seconds.

How much are you shipping?

When are you moving?

Powered by Sirelo. Free quotes from international movers.

🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$1,929/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle

Rock Island, IL on a mid-range budget comes to about $1,929 a month for one adult, with $850 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $279 on groceries, $200 on dining out, $140 on entertainment and lifestyle, $405 on utilities and connectivity and $55.00 on transport.

Rent

$850/mo

1BR outside the centre

Groceries

$279/mo

Staples basket scaled to a full month

Dining out

$200/mo

10 inexpensive meals

Entertainment & lifestyle

$140/mo

gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos

Utilities & connectivity

$405/mo

utilities, mobile, internet

Transport

$55.00/mo

Monthly pass

Budgets (excl. rent)

Single person$1,079/mo

Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.

Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.

A 1BR in the center runs about $1050/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.

See low-fee transfers

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

See how Rock Island, IL's cost of living compares with Monticello, AR

Be the first to report costs in Rock Island, IL

Share

🛡️ Safety & Crime

68
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

32
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Rock Island is a moderately safe Midwestern city with a Safety Index of 68, indicating reasonable security for daily life. Daytime walkability is generally good in downtown and residential areas, though nighttime solo walks warrant caution in certain neighborhoods. The city's small-town character means most expats will feel comfortable with standard urban awareness; it's safer than many larger U.S. metros but not crime-free.

Property crime (vehicle theft, burglary) exceeds violent crime here, typical for the region. Petty theft occurs occasionally in downtown areas and parking lots. Avoid isolated spots near the riverfront after dark and exercise standard precautions with valuables. Solo female travelers report feeling reasonably safe during daylight; evening outings in groups are advisable. The East End and some blocks near 5th Avenue warrant extra vigilance.

Rock Island has stable local governance and reliable police response—no political instability or corruption concerns relevant to expats. The city faces typical Rust Belt economic challenges, which can correlate with property crime, but serious violent crime remains relatively uncommon. For Americans considering relocation, this is a genuinely livable option with manageable risks; treat it like any small U.S. city and you'll navigate it safely.

🏥 Healthcare

Good
Public Hospitals
Yes
Private Clinics
Yes
English-Speaking Doctors
Widely Available

See how Rock Island, IL's healthcare compares with Monticello, AR

🌤️ Climate

Summer Temp
27°C
Winter Temp
-4°C
Humidity
68%
Air Quality Index
52
Annual Rainfall
759 mm

Best Months

AprMaySepOct

Climate Notes

Rock Island has a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers (June-August) and cold, snowy winters (December-February), with mild spring and fall transitions.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
70.3 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$82/mo
Coworking Availability
Limited
Coworking Spaces Nearby
0
Digital Nomad Score
65/100

Community Notes

Rock Island offers a relaxed Midwest lifestyle and historical interests.

Coworking Spaces

NameNotes
The Davenport CollectiveLocated just across the river in Davenport, IA, this space offers a vibrant community and a variety of membership options. It's a short drive from Rock Island and provides a more established coworking environment with networking opportunities.
Regus - MolineLocated in nearby Moline, IL, this Regus location offers a professional environment with private offices and coworking spaces. It's a reliable option for those seeking a more corporate setting with standard amenities.
Shared Office SolutionsAlso located in Moline, Shared Office Solutions provides a range of flexible workspace options, including coworking. It's a good choice for those who need occasional access to meeting rooms or private offices.

Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).

Working remotely from Rock Island, IL? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.

See nomad insurance

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

See how Rock Island, IL's digital nomad life compares with Monticello, AR

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Broadway
Banks Nearby
43
ATMs Nearby
0

Expat Life Notes

Home to the Rock Island Arsenal. Industrial river town with a strong military feel.

Pros

  • ✓ Safe military town
  • ✓ Affordable
  • ✓ River views

Cons

  • ✗ Industrial look
  • ✗ Cold winters
  • ✗ Economic stagnation

🏘️ Neighborhoods in Rock Island, IL

Areas of Rock Island, IL that expats often consider.

Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.

Downtown Rock Island

Revitalized urban entertainment district

Downtown is experiencing a resurgence with new restaurants, bars, and the TaxSlayer Center. It's walkable and offers easy access to events, but can be noisy at night. While not a major expat hub, English is universally spoken and it's easy to navigate.

Broadway Historic District

Architecturally rich, quiet residential

This area features beautiful Victorian-era homes and a peaceful atmosphere. It's primarily residential, so you'll need a car or rely on public transit for errands. It's not particularly expat-focused, but offers a glimpse into Rock Island's history.

Longview Park

Family-friendly, green spaces, suburban

Centered around the park of the same name, this neighborhood offers a mix of housing styles and a suburban feel. It's ideal for those seeking a quieter environment with access to outdoor recreation. A car is essential here, and expat resources are limited.

The District

Arts, culture, entertainment hub

Technically part of downtown, 'The District' is known for its live music venues, art galleries, and restaurants. It's a vibrant area that attracts a younger crowd. While not specifically tailored to expats, the area is welcoming and easy to navigate for English speakers.

Page 1 of 2

Could living/working in Rock Island, IL cut years off your work life?

With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1050/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.

Calculate My FIRE Date →

🛂 Visa Options for United States

US EB-5 Investor VisaUS O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)

Many long-stay visas require proof of health insurance. Compare international health plans before you apply.

Compare health insurance

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

🛂

Not sure which United States visa you qualify for?

Answer 11 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.

Find My Visa →

More Cities to Consider instead of Rock Island, IL

Monticello, AR, United States↔ Compare with Rock Island, IL
Byrdstown, TN, United States↔ Compare with Rock Island, IL
Stratford, Canada↔ Compare with Rock Island, IL
Holland Landing, Canada↔ Compare with Rock Island, IL
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Rock Island, IL

Click any question to expand the answer.

Rock Island, IL has a population of approximately 37,108 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $2,625 per month in Rock Island, IL, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1050/month.
The nearest airport to Rock Island, IL is MLI, approximately 3.4km away.
Rock Island, IL is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 68.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
The current data does not include information about security clearance requirements or the hiring process at Rock Island Arsenal, so we cannot confirm the accuracy of these specifics. For up-to-date requirements, check the official Rock Island Arsenal or USAJOBS listings. The data does show the overall city safety index is 68 and the crime index is 32.
Safety index is 68 (moderate). Crime is concentrated in specific neighborhoods; downtown and near the Arsenal are generally stable. Like most Midwest industrial towns, property crime exists but violent crime is low. Expat presence is negligible, so you won't find expat-specific safety networks.
Practically no. Public transit is minimal and unreliable. The Arsenal is on an island; most jobs require driving. Biking is possible in summer, but winters make it unfeasible. If you're car-free, Rock Island will frustrate you.
Rock Island is relatively affordable. Expect to pay around $800-$1200 for a decent apartment, and groceries are comparable to the national average. Dining out is inexpensive, with many local restaurants offering meals under $15.
Yes, most doctors in Rock Island are native English speakers. UnityPoint Health - Trinity Rock Island is a major hospital with numerous English-speaking physicians and specialists.
Rock Island has a safety index of 68 and a crime index of 32, indicating moderate safety. Based on this data, specific safer neighborhoods cannot be identified from the available statistics.
Internet speeds in Rock Island average around 70.3 Mbps, which is sufficient for remote work and streaming.
Climate data for Rock Island is not currently available in our verified sources. The city's overall score is 65, but specific climate details are not recorded.
While Rock Island itself doesn't have many dedicated coworking spaces, nearby Davenport, Iowa (just across the river) offers options like The Freight House. Some local coffee shops also provide a suitable environment for remote work.
Opening a bank account is straightforward with standard US identification like a driver's license and proof of address. Local banks include Blackhawk Bank & Trust and Midwest Bank, which offer services for international money transfers.
Rock Island offers a relaxed pace of life compared to larger cities. It's a good place for those seeking a quieter environment with less hustle and bustle, while still having access to amenities.
Rock Island's lower cost of living allows retirees to stretch their income further. Housing costs are significantly lower than in many major cities, and property taxes are reasonable, making it a viable option for those on a fixed income.
Rock Island offers several attractions, including the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, the Quad City Botanical Center, and the historic downtown area with its shops and restaurants. The Mississippi River also provides opportunities for recreation.
Public transportation is available through MetroLINK, which operates bus routes throughout the Quad Cities area. While it's functional, relying solely on public transport can be limiting, especially for exploring areas outside of Rock Island.
Property tax rates in Rock Island vary depending on the specific location and assessed value, but generally fall within the range of 1.5% to 2.5% of the assessed value. Check with the Rock Island County Assessor's office for precise figures.

Share This Guide

Compare visa routesIncome, fees, and residency paths for United States.