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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Columbus is 8% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,224/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 3%
$65,327/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 35%
$234,500 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 8%
$1,243/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 21%
906,480
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $22,989/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Elgin — common questions

Is Columbus or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Elgin?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Elgin?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $22,989/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 Columbus or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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