Cost of Living: Arvada, CO vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Arvada

Colorado
152
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Arvada is 69% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,802/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 30%
$113,396/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 22%
$600,800 ↑ 138%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 58%
$1,948/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 23%
122,835
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arvada, CO and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $542/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $6,504/year.

Median household income is $25,080/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arvada is $600,800 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arvada vs Elgin — common questions

Is Arvada or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arvada and Elgin?
Median rent in Arvada is $1,802/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $542/month.
Which city has higher income, Arvada or Elgin?
Median household income is $113,396 in Arvada and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $25,080/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Arvada or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Arvada has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,802/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 Arvada details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arvada and Elgin

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