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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Richmond

California
161

Rockford is 65% cheaper than Richmond.

$954/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 99%
$53,328/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 69%
$120,900 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 438%
$947/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 113%
147,649
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $941/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $11,292/year.

Median household income is $36,710/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Richmond — common questions

Is Rockford or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Richmond?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $941/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Richmond?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $36,710/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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