Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Abilene is 19% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,106/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 14%
$62,720/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 41%
$178,900 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 41%
$1,114/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 35%
127,130
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $25,596/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Elgin — common questions

Is Abilene or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Elgin?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $154/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Elgin?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $25,596/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Elgin details →