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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Elk Grove is 195% more expensive than Rockford.

$2,180/mo ↑ 129%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 56%
$122,229/yr ↑ 129%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 56%
$603,400 ↑ 399%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 80%
$2,227/mo ↑ 135%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 57%
177,221
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,226/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $14,712/year.

Median household income is $68,901/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Rockford — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Rockford?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,226/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Rockford?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $68,901/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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.
View Elk Grove details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Rockford

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse