Cost of Living: Berkeley, CA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Berkeley is 179% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,127/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 41%
$108,558/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 19%
$1,351,100 ↑ 435%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 81%
$2,340/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 36%
120,223
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $867/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $10,404/year.

Median household income is $20,242/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Elgin — common questions

Is Berkeley or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Elgin?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $867/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Elgin?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $20,242/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Berkeley or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/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 Berkeley details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Berkeley and Elgin

Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont