Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Anaheim is 125% more expensive than Rockford.

$2,082/mo ↑ 118%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 54%
$90,583/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 41%
$771,700 ↑ 538%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 84%
$2,165/mo ↑ 129%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 56%
344,553
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,128/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $13,536/year.

Median household income is $37,255/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Rockford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Rockford — common questions

Is Anaheim or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Rockford?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,128/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Rockford?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $37,255/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Rockford has a cost index of 57 with rent of $954/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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