Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Denver is 63% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,770/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 29%
$91,681/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 4%
$586,700 ↑ 132%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 57%
$1,839/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 18%
713,734
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $510/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $6,120/year.

Median household income is $3,365/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Elgin — common questions

Is Denver or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Elgin?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $510/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Elgin?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $3,365/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Elgin

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