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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Rockford is 66% cheaper than Fairfield.

$954/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 130%
$53,328/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 92%
$120,900 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 390%
$947/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 135%
147,649
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,237/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $14,844/year.

Median household income is $48,993/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Rockford or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Fairfield?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,237/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Fairfield?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $48,993/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

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