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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Sacramento is 132% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,694/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 44%
$83,753/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 36%
$484,600 ↑ 301%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 75%
$1,752/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 46%
524,802
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $740/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $8,880/year.

Median household income is $30,425/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Rockford — common questions

Is Sacramento or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Rockford?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $740/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Rockford?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $30,425/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Rockford has a cost index of 57 with rent of $954/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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