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

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Atlanta is 36% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,617/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 22%
$81,938/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 8%
$420,600 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 40%
$1,695/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 11%
499,287
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $357/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $4,284/year.

Median household income is $6,378/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Elgin — common questions

Is Atlanta or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Elgin?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $357/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Elgin?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $6,378/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 Atlanta or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Elgin details →

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