Cost of Living: College Station, TX vs Elgin, IL (2026)

College Station

Texas
91
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

College Station and Elgin have a similar cost of living.

$1,168/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 8%
$51,776/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 71%
$326,500 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 23%
$1,251/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 20%
122,280
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $36,540/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs Elgin — common questions

Is College Station or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and Elgin?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or Elgin?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $36,540/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to College Station or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/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 College Station details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for College Station and Elgin

College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont