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

Denton

Texas
100
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Denton is 11% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,344/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 6%
$73,719/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 20%
$325,700 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 23%
$1,461/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 3%
146,987
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denton, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $14,597/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denton is $325,700 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denton vs Elgin — common questions

Is Denton or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denton and Elgin?
Median rent in Denton is $1,344/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Denton or Elgin?
Median household income is $73,719 in Denton and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $14,597/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 Denton or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Denton has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,344/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 Denton details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denton and Elgin

Denton vs. Savannah Denton vs. Syracuse Denton vs. Rockford Denton vs. McAllen Denton vs. Bridgeport Denton vs. Olathe Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont