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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Austin is 49% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,655/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 24%
$91,461/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 3%
$512,700 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 51%
$1,747/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 14%
967,862
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $3,145/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Elgin — common questions

Is Austin or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Elgin?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $395/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Elgin?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $3,145/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Elgin details →

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