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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Stockton is 102% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,495/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 36%
$76,851/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 31%
$412,900 ↑ 242%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 71%
$1,555/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 39%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $541/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $6,492/year.

Median household income is $23,523/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Rockford — common questions

Is Stockton or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Rockford?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $541/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Rockford?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $23,523/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Rockford details →

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