Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Cleveland is 43% cheaper than Elgin.

$894/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 41%
$39,187/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 125%
$94,100 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 168%
$866/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 73%
367,523
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $366/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $4,392/year.

Median household income is $49,129/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cleveland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Elgin — common questions

Is Cleveland or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Elgin?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $366/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Elgin?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $49,129/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Illinois?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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 Cleveland details → View Elgin details →

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