Cost of Living: Bridgeport, CT vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Bridgeport is 4% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,405/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 10%
$56,584/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 56%
$252,400 ≈ Same
Home Value
$252,400 ≈ Same
$1,475/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 2%
148,012
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bridgeport, CT and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 94 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $145/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $1,740/year.

Median household income is $31,732/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bridgeport is $252,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bridgeport vs Elgin — common questions

Is Bridgeport or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 94 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bridgeport and Elgin?
Median rent in Bridgeport is $1,405/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $145/month.
Which city has higher income, Bridgeport or Elgin?
Median household income is $56,584 in Bridgeport and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $31,732/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Illinois?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Bridgeport or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with median rent of $1,405/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 Bridgeport details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bridgeport and Elgin

Bridgeport vs. Pomona Bridgeport vs. Rockford Bridgeport vs. Mesquite Bridgeport vs. Savannah Bridgeport vs. Pasadena Bridgeport vs. Denton Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont