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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Hayward is 251% more expensive than Rockford.

$2,360/mo ↑ 147%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 60%
$113,775/yr ↑ 113%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 53%
$820,700 ↑ 579%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 85%
$2,420/mo ↑ 156%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 61%
159,201
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,406/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $16,872/year.

Median household income is $60,447/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Rockford — common questions

Is Hayward or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Rockford?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,406/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Rockford?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $60,447/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/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 Hayward details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Rockford

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse