Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Cedar Rapids is 28% cheaper than Elgin.

$925/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 36%
$67,859/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 30%
$177,100 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 43%
$1,084/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 39%
136,859
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $20,457/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Elgin — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Elgin?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $335/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Elgin?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $20,457/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Illinois?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/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 Cedar Rapids details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cedar Rapids and Elgin

Cedar Rapids vs. Hampton Cedar Rapids vs. Dayton Cedar Rapids vs. West Valley City Cedar Rapids vs. Pasadena Cedar Rapids vs. Columbia Cedar Rapids vs. Miramar Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont