Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Boston is 96% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,093/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 40%
$94,755/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 7%
$710,400 ↑ 181%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 64%
$2,176/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 31%
663,972
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $833/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $9,996/year.

Median household income is $6,439/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Elgin — common questions

Is Boston or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Elgin?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $833/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Elgin?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $6,439/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Elgin details →

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