Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Rockford is 57% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$954/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 50%
$53,328/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 28%
$120,900 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 408%
$947/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 54%
147,649
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $477/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $5,724/year.

Median household income is $15,050/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Rockford or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $477/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $15,050/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View East Los Angeles details →

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