Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Cary is 50% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,621/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 22%
$129,399/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 32%
$525,200 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 52%
$1,744/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 14%
176,686
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $361/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $4,332/year.

Median household income is $41,083/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Elgin — common questions

Is Cary or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Elgin?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $361/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Elgin?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $41,083/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cary and Elgin

Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont