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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Rockford is 74% cheaper than Pasadena.

$954/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 132%
$53,328/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 95%
$120,900 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 764%
$947/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 147%
147,649
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,264/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $15,168/year.

Median household income is $50,450/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Rockford or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Pasadena?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,264/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Pasadena?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $50,450/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rockford and Pasadena

Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth