Median rent is 49% lower in Rockford ($954/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Rockford, where the median home runs $120,900 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $53,328 a year). Taken together, Rockford is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 90.7 against 113.3 — about 20% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Rockford is 20% cheaper overall
Cost index: 90.7 in Rockford vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Rockford, IL
How much would you need to earn in Rockford, IL to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Rockford, IL
$60,023
You could earn $14,977 less (20% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Los Angeles
California
Rockford
Illinois
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Rockford — median rent of $954/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 49% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $120,900 in Rockford — 86% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 4.95% in Illinois, so Rockford is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.25% in Illinois; Rockford has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Rockford
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Rockford has cleaner air on average: 14.0 AQI (Good) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Rockford if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 90.7 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Rockford if you prioritize cheaper rent ($954/mo median).
Pick Rockford if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 14.0).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Rockford?
Rockford is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 90.7 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 20% lower in Rockford.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Rockford?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $954/mo in Rockford, IL. Rockford, IL has the lower rent by about 49%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Rockford?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $53,328 in Rockford, IL. Los Angeles, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Rockford, IL has better air quality on average: 14.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or Rockford?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Rockford, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Rockford to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $80,031 in Rockford, IL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology