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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Torrance

California
218

Rockford is 74% cheaper than Torrance.

$954/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 132%
$53,328/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 112%
$120,900 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 757%
$947/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 142%
147,649
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,260/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $15,120/year.

Median household income is $59,777/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Torrance — common questions

Is Rockford or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Torrance?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $1,260/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Torrance?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $59,777/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

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