Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Anaheim is 92% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,082/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 39%
$90,583/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 3%
$771,700 ↑ 206%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 67%
$2,165/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 31%
344,553
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $822/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $9,864/year.

Median household income is $2,267/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Elgin — common questions

Is Anaheim or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Elgin?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $822/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Elgin?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $2,267/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/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.
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