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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Modesto is 111% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,609/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 41%
$77,899/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 32%
$415,600 ↑ 244%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 71%
$1,613/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 41%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $655/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $7,860/year.

Median household income is $24,571/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Rockford — common questions

Is Modesto or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Rockford?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $655/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Rockford?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $24,571/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Rockford

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse