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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Rockford is 72% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$954/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 163%
$53,328/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 121%
$120,900 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 523%
$947/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 172%
147,649
Population
125,769

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 Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,559/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $18,708/year.

Median household income is $64,375/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Rockford or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,559/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $64,375/year higher in Simi Valley.
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 Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,513/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Simi Valley details →

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