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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Rockford is 71% cheaper than Fullerton.

$954/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 123%
$53,328/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 95%
$120,900 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 611%
$947/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 138%
147,649
Population
141,278

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 Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,170/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $14,040/year.

Median household income is $50,891/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Rockford or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Fullerton?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $1,170/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Fullerton?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $50,891/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

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