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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Rockford is 77% cheaper than Berkeley.

$954/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 123%
$53,328/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 104%
$120,900 ↓ 91%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 1018%
$947/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 147%
147,649
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,173/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $14,076/year.

Median household income is $55,230/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Rockford or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Berkeley?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,173/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Berkeley?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $55,230/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

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