Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Des Moines is 22% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,054/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 20%
$63,966/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 38%
$183,700 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 37%
$1,137/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 32%
212,464
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $24,350/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Elgin — common questions

Is Des Moines or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Elgin?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Elgin?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $24,350/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Illinois?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Elgin details →

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