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

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Amarillo is 23% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,049/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 20%
$62,469/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 41%
$186,800 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 35%
$1,074/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 40%
200,945
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $211/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $2,532/year.

Median household income is $25,847/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Elgin — common questions

Is Amarillo or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Elgin?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $211/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Elgin?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $25,847/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 Amarillo or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/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 Amarillo details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Amarillo and Elgin

Amarillo vs. Oxnard Amarillo vs. Tallahassee Amarillo vs. Augusta Amarillo vs. Birmingham Amarillo vs. McKinney Amarillo vs. Sunrise Manor Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont