Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Chandler is 49% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,806/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 30%
$103,691/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 15%
$469,800 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 46%
$1,743/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 14%
278,123
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $546/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $6,552/year.

Median household income is $15,375/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Elgin — common questions

Is Chandler or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Elgin?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $546/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Elgin?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $15,375/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chandler and Elgin

Chandler vs. Plano Chandler vs. Buffalo Chandler vs. Durham Chandler vs. Madison Chandler vs. Anchorage Chandler vs. Chula Vista Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont