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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Lancaster is 118% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,696/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 44%
$76,083/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 30%
$409,100 ↑ 238%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 70%
$1,746/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 46%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $742/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $8,904/year.

Median household income is $22,755/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Rockford — common questions

Is Lancaster or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Rockford?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $742/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Rockford?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $22,755/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Rockford

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse