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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Rockford is 81% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$954/mo ↓ 68%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 213%
$53,328/yr ↓ 69%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 226%
$120,900 ↓ 92%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 1164%
$947/mo ↓ 69%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 222%
147,649
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,031/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $24,372/year.

Median household income is $120,342/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Rockford or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $2,031/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $120,342/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rockford and Santa Clara

Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville