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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Arlington is 126% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,275/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 45%
$140,160/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 37%
$864,800 ↑ 243%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 71%
$2,414/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 38%
235,463
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

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,015/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $12,180/year.

Median household income is $51,844/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Elgin?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $1,015/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Elgin?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $51,844/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Elgin

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont