Cost of Living: Concord, CA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Concord

California
187
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Concord is 108% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,226/mo ↑ 77%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 43%
$109,195/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 19%
$755,900 ↑ 199%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 67%
$2,284/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 34%
124,260
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Concord, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $966/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $11,592/year.

Median household income is $20,879/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Concord is $755,900 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Concord vs Elgin — common questions

Is Concord or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Concord and Elgin?
Median rent in Concord is $2,226/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $966/month.
Which city has higher income, Concord or Elgin?
Median household income is $109,195 in Concord and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $20,879/year higher in Concord.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Concord or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Concord has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $2,226/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 Concord details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Concord and Elgin

Concord vs. Round Rock Concord vs. Arvada Concord vs. Vallejo Concord vs. Clovis Concord vs. Meridian Concord vs. College Station Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont