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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Irvine is 349% more expensive than Rockford.

$2,893/mo ↑ 203%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 67%
$129,647/yr ↑ 143%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 59%
$1,115,400 ↑ 823%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 89%
$2,904/mo ↑ 207%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 67%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,939/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $23,268/year.

Median household income is $76,319/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Rockford — common questions

Is Irvine or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Rockford?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,939/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Rockford?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $76,319/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Irvine and Rockford

Irvine vs. Cincinnati Irvine vs. St. Paul Irvine vs. Santa Ana Irvine vs. Newark Irvine vs. Orlando Irvine vs. Pittsburgh Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse