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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Santa Clarita is 246% more expensive than Rockford.

$2,486/mo ↑ 161%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 62%
$119,926/yr ↑ 125%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 56%
$721,000 ↑ 496%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 83%
$2,649/mo ↑ 180%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 64%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,532/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $18,384/year.

Median household income is $66,598/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Rockford — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Rockford?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,532/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Rockford?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $66,598/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Rockford

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse