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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Garden Grove is 209% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,971/mo ↑ 107%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 52%
$90,166/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 41%
$765,500 ↑ 533%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 84%
$2,016/mo ↑ 113%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 53%
170,603
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

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,017/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $12,204/year.

Median household income is $36,838/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Rockford — common questions

Is Garden 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Rockford?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,017/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Rockford?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $36,838/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/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 Garden Grove details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Rockford

Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse