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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Downey

California
169

Rockford is 66% cheaper than Downey.

$954/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 98%
$53,328/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 64%
$120,900 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 503%
$947/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 111%
147,649
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $938/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $11,256/year.

Median household income is $34,072/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Downey — common questions

Is Rockford or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Downey?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $938/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Downey?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $34,072/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Downey details →

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