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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

San Francisco is 368% more expensive than Rockford.

$2,419/mo ↑ 154%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 61%
$141,446/yr ↑ 165%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 62%
$1,380,500 ↑ 1042%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 91%
$2,620/mo ↑ 177%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 64%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,465/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $17,580/year.

Median household income is $88,118/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Rockford — common questions

Is San Francisco or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Rockford?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,465/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Rockford?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $88,118/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Francisco and Rockford

San Francisco vs. Indianapolis San Francisco vs. Seattle San Francisco vs. Charlotte San Francisco vs. Denver San Francisco vs. Columbus San Francisco vs. Oklahoma City Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse