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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

San Bernardino is 91% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,433/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 33%
$63,988/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 17%
$384,900 ↑ 218%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 69%
$1,478/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 36%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $479/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $5,748/year.

Median household income is $10,660/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Rockford — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Rockford?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $479/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Rockford?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $10,660/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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.
View San Bernardino details → View Rockford details →

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