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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

San Jose is 346% more expensive than Rockford.

$2,617/mo ↑ 174%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 64%
$141,565/yr ↑ 165%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 62%
$1,187,800 ↑ 882%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 90%
$2,775/mo ↑ 193%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 66%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,663/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $19,956/year.

Median household income is $88,237/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Rockford — common questions

Is San Jose or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Rockford?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,663/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Rockford?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $88,237/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Rockford details →

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