Cost of Living: Clearwater, FL vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Clearwater

Florida
105
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Clearwater is 17% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,539/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 18%
$64,440/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 37%
$326,100 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 23%
$1,411/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 6%
117,075
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

28.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clearwater, FL and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $23,876/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clearwater is $326,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Clearwater vs Elgin — common questions

Is Clearwater or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clearwater and Elgin?
Median rent in Clearwater is $1,539/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $279/month.
Which city has higher income, Clearwater or Elgin?
Median household income is $64,440 in Clearwater and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $23,876/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Clearwater or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,539/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 Clearwater details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Clearwater and Elgin

Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont