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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Fontana is 156% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,733/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 45%
$98,187/yr ↑ 84%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 46%
$558,500 ↑ 362%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 78%
$1,990/mo ↑ 110%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 52%
211,921
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

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $779/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $9,348/year.

Median household income is $44,859/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Rockford — common questions

Is Fontana or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Rockford?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $779/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Rockford?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $44,859/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Rockford

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse