Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Durham is 17% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,412/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 11%
$79,234/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 11%
$355,300 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 29%
$1,434/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 5%
288,465
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $9,082/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Elgin — common questions

Is Durham or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Elgin?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Elgin?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $9,082/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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