Cost of Living: Brandon, FL vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Brandon

Florida
108
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Brandon is 20% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,691/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 25%
$77,068/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 15%
$293,800 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 14%
$1,546/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 3%
116,365
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brandon, FL and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $431/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $5,172/year.

Median household income is $11,248/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brandon is $293,800 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brandon vs Elgin — common questions

Is Brandon or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brandon and Elgin?
Median rent in Brandon is $1,691/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $431/month.
Which city has higher income, Brandon or Elgin?
Median household income is $77,068 in Brandon and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $11,248/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Brandon or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Brandon has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,691/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 Brandon details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Brandon and Elgin

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