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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Arlington is 6% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,389/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 9%
$73,519/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 20%
$276,400 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 9%
$1,420/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 6%
394,769
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $14,797/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Elgin — common questions

Is Arlington or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Elgin?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Elgin?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $14,797/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 Arlington or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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