Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Athens is 8% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,162/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 8%
$51,655/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 71%
$271,800 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 7%
$1,163/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 29%
126,987
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $36,661/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Elgin — common questions

Is Athens or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Elgin?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Elgin?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $36,661/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Illinois?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/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 Athens details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Athens and Elgin

Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont