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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Concord

California
187

Rockford is 70% cheaper than Concord.

$954/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 133%
$53,328/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 105%
$120,900 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 525%
$947/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 141%
147,649
Population
124,260

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,272/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $15,264/year.

Median household income is $55,867/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Concord — common questions

Is Rockford or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Concord?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $1,272/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Concord?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $55,867/year higher in Concord.
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 Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Concord details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rockford and Concord

Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse Concord vs. Round Rock Concord vs. Arvada Concord vs. Vallejo Concord vs. Clovis Concord vs. Meridian Concord vs. College Station