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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Riverside is 153% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,812/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 47%
$88,575/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 40%
$542,100 ↑ 348%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 78%
$1,880/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 50%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $858/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $10,296/year.

Median household income is $35,247/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Rockford — common questions

Is Riverside 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 Riverside and Rockford?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $858/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Rockford?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $35,247/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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