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

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Cambridge is 166% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,742/mo ↑ 118%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 54%
$126,469/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 30%
$1,040,500 ↑ 312%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 76%
$2,634/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 43%
117,794
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

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,482/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $17,784/year.

Median household income is $38,153/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Elgin — common questions

Is Cambridge or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Elgin?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $1,482/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Elgin?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $38,153/year higher in Cambridge.
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 Cambridge or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/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 Cambridge details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cambridge and Elgin

Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont