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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Fremont is 388% more expensive than Rockford.

$2,905/mo ↑ 205%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 67%
$176,350/yr ↑ 231%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 70%
$1,289,400 ↑ 967%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 91%
$3,000/mo ↑ 217%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 68%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,951/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $23,412/year.

Median household income is $123,022/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Rockford — common questions

Is Fremont or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Rockford?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,951/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Rockford?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $123,022/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Rockford

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse