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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Rockford is 75% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$954/mo ↓ 60%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 151%
$53,328/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 106%
$120,900 ↓ 89%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 772%
$947/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 160%
147,649
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,441/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $17,292/year.

Median household income is $56,745/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Rockford or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,441/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $56,745/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Costa Mesa details →

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