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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Ontario is 167% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,916/mo ↑ 101%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 50%
$82,806/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 36%
$568,000 ↑ 370%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 79%
$1,967/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 52%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $962/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $11,544/year.

Median household income is $29,478/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Rockford — common questions

Is Ontario or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Rockford?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $962/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Rockford?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $29,478/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Rockford

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse