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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Glendale is 275% more expensive than Rockford.

$2,095/mo ↑ 120%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 54%
$84,262/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 37%
$1,043,900 ↑ 763%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 88%
$2,212/mo ↑ 134%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 57%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,141/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $13,692/year.

Median household income is $30,934/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Rockford — common questions

Is Glendale or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Rockford?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,141/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Rockford?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $30,934/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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