Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Bellevue is 178% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,505/mo ↑ 99%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 50%
$161,300/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 45%
$1,203,100 ↑ 377%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 79%
$2,586/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 42%
151,199
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,245/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $14,940/year.

Median household income is $72,984/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Elgin — common questions

Is Bellevue or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Elgin?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $1,245/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Elgin?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $72,984/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Illinois?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Bellevue or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Elgin

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont