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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Moreno Valley is 153% more expensive than Rockford.

$2,036/mo ↑ 113%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 53%
$87,477/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 39%
$461,400 ↑ 282%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 74%
$1,980/mo ↑ 109%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 52%
210,378
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

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,082/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $12,984/year.

Median household income is $34,149/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Rockford — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Rockford?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,082/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Rockford?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $34,149/year higher in Moreno Valley.
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 Moreno Valley or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/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 Moreno Valley details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Rockford

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