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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Santa Rosa is 202% more expensive than Rockford.

$2,084/mo ↑ 118%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 54%
$97,410/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 45%
$685,000 ↑ 467%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 82%
$2,130/mo ↑ 125%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 56%
177,216
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,130/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $13,560/year.

Median household income is $44,082/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Rockford — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Rockford?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,130/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Rockford?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $44,082/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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