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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Dallas is 8% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,403/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 10%
$67,760/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 30%
$295,300 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 15%
$1,409/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 7%
1,299,553
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $20,556/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Elgin — common questions

Is Dallas or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Elgin?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Elgin?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $20,556/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 Dallas or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Elgin details →

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