Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Chicago is 11% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,380/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 9%
$75,134/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 18%
$315,200 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 20%
$1,502/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ≈ Same
2,707,648
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $120/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $1,440/year.

Median household income is $13,182/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Elgin — common questions

Is Chicago or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Elgin?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $120/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Elgin?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $13,182/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Illinois?
Both cities are in Illinois and share the same state tax rates: 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Elgin details →

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