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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Orange

California
206

Rockford is 72% cheaper than Orange.

$954/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 136%
$53,328/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 119%
$120,900 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 645%
$947/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 153%
147,649
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,298/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $15,576/year.

Median household income is $63,617/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Orange — common questions

Is Rockford or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Orange?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,298/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Orange?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $63,617/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Orange details →

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