Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Boise is 24% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,359/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 7%
$81,308/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 9%
$456,000 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 45%
$1,337/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 12%
235,701
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $99/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $1,188/year.

Median household income is $7,008/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Elgin — common questions

Is Boise or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Elgin?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $99/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Elgin?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $7,008/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Illinois?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Elgin

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont