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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Rockford is 67% cheaper than Murrieta.

$954/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 144%
$53,328/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 106%
$120,900 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 402%
$947/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 151%
147,649
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,376/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $16,512/year.

Median household income is $56,452/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Rockford or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Murrieta?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,376/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Murrieta?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $56,452/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rockford and Murrieta

Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse Murrieta vs. Downey Murrieta vs. Pueblo Murrieta vs. Peoria Murrieta vs. Miami Gardens Murrieta vs. Pompano Beach Murrieta vs. Everett