47
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Rockford wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Rockford wins 1–2 overall (71/100)
💰 Rockford is more affordable
💼 Rockford has lower unemployment
🛡️ Rockford has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Rockford — The Verdict
Rockford scores 71.8/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Rockford has a clear edge with home prices 86% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Rockford has a notably lower disaster history with 44 fewer declarations in 20 years. Rockford may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Rockford are 86% lower — a difference of $708,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Rockford saves you $885/month — that's $10,620 per year.
💵
Households in Los Angeles earn $25,500 more per year (50% higher median income).
📊
Rockford has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Rockford has experienced 44 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$114,100
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$906
Median Income
$76,244
$50,744
The affordability gap is significant — Rockford offers home prices 86% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $708,500 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
4.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Rockford having a slight edge at 4.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
68 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
10
Rockford has a markedly lower disaster history — 44 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Rockford: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Rockford is more affordable overall. Home prices are $708,500 lower in Rockford. Monthly rent is $906 in Rockford vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or Rockford have better weather?
Rockford scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Rockford better for finding a job?
Rockford currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 4.6% in Rockford. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $50,744 in Rockford.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Rockford?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Rockford is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Rockford. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Rockford.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Rockford?
Based on our data, Rockford scores 71.8/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Rockford is more affordable, while Rockford has a better climate.
Planning to move from Los Angeles to Rockford?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.