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

Cape Coral

Florida
114
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Cape Coral is 27% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,751/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 28%
$76,062/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 16%
$339,200 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 26%
$1,523/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 1%
206,387
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cape Coral, FL and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 114 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $491/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $5,892/year.

Median household income is $12,254/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cape Coral is $339,200 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cape Coral vs Elgin — common questions

Is Cape Coral or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 114 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cape Coral and Elgin?
Median rent in Cape Coral is $1,751/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $491/month.
Which city has higher income, Cape Coral or Elgin?
Median household income is $76,062 in Cape Coral and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $12,254/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 Cape Coral or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Cape Coral has a cost index of 114 with median rent of $1,751/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 Cape Coral details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cape Coral and Elgin

Cape Coral vs. Yonkers Cape Coral vs. Worcester Cape Coral vs. Fayetteville Cape Coral vs. Columbus Cape Coral vs. Rochester Cape Coral vs. Salt Lake City Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont