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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Rockford is 75% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$954/mo ↓ 63%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 170%
$53,328/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 152%
$120,900 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 687%
$947/mo ↓ 65%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 188%
147,649
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,626/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $19,512/year.

Median household income is $81,039/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Rockford or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,626/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $81,039/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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