Cost of Living: Carrollton, TX vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Carrollton

Texas
116
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Carrollton is 29% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,674/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 25%
$99,115/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 11%
$353,600 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 29%
$1,689/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 11%
132,741
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Carrollton, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 116 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $414/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $4,968/year.

Median household income is $10,799/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Carrollton is $353,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Carrollton vs Elgin — common questions

Is Carrollton or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Carrollton and Elgin?
Median rent in Carrollton is $1,674/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $414/month.
Which city has higher income, Carrollton or Elgin?
Median household income is $99,115 in Carrollton and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $10,799/year higher in Carrollton.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Carrollton or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with median rent of $1,674/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 Carrollton details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Carrollton and Elgin

Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont