Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Alexandria is 92% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,031/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 38%
$113,638/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 22%
$696,800 ↑ 176%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 64%
$2,173/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 31%
156,788
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $771/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $9,252/year.

Median household income is $25,322/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Elgin — common questions

Is Alexandria or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Elgin?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $771/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Elgin?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $25,322/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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 Alexandria details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Alexandria and Elgin

Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont