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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Fresno is 77% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,324/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 28%
$66,804/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 20%
$348,500 ↑ 188%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 65%
$1,391/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 32%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $13,476/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Rockford — common questions

Is Fresno or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Rockford?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Rockford?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $13,476/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Rockford details →

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