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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Rockford is 63% cheaper than Vallejo.

$954/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 111%
$53,328/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 68%
$120,900 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 361%
$947/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 117%
147,649
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,059/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $12,708/year.

Median household income is $36,168/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Rockford or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Vallejo?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $1,059/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Vallejo?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $36,168/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Vallejo details →

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