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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Ventura

California
183

Rockford is 69% cheaper than Ventura.

$954/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 120%
$53,328/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 88%
$120,900 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 544%
$947/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 124%
147,649
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,147/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $13,764/year.

Median household income is $47,079/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Ventura — common questions

Is Rockford or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Ventura?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $1,147/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Ventura?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $47,079/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Ventura details →

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