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

Pomona

California
143
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Pomona is 86% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,738/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 45%
$78,869/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 32%
$569,600 ↑ 371%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 79%
$1,758/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 46%
148,391
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pomona, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 143 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $784/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $9,408/year.

Median household income is $25,541/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pomona is $569,600 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pomona vs Rockford — common questions

Is Pomona or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pomona and Rockford?
Median rent in Pomona is $1,738/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $784/month.
Which city has higher income, Pomona or Rockford?
Median household income is $78,869 in Pomona and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $25,541/year higher in Pomona.
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 Pomona or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Pomona has a cost index of 143 with median rent of $1,738/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.
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