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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

San Diego is 246% more expensive than Rockford.

$2,223/mo ↑ 133%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 57%
$104,321/yr ↑ 96%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 49%
$848,500 ↑ 602%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 86%
$2,308/mo ↑ 144%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 59%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,269/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $15,228/year.

Median household income is $50,993/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Rockford — common questions

Is San Diego or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Rockford?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,269/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Rockford?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $50,993/year higher in San Diego.
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 Diego or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 Diego details → View Rockford details →

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