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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Los Angeles is 228% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,879/mo ↑ 97%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 49%
$80,366/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 34%
$879,500 ↑ 627%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 86%
$2,055/mo ↑ 117%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 54%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $925/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $11,100/year.

Median household income is $27,038/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Rockford — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Rockford?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $925/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Rockford?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $27,038/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Rockford details →

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