Cost of Living: Ann Arbor, MI vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Ann Arbor is 34% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,552/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 19%
$81,089/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 9%
$435,100 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 42%
$1,638/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 8%
121,179
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $7,227/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Elgin — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Elgin?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Elgin?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $7,227/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Illinois?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Ann Arbor or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/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 Ann Arbor details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ann Arbor and Elgin

Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont