Cost of Living: East Los Angeles, CA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

East Los Angeles

California
134
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

East Los Angeles is 49% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,431/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 12%
$68,378/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 29%
$613,600 ↑ 143%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 59%
$1,458/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 3%
114,617
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing East Los Angeles, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $171/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $2,052/year.

Median household income is $19,938/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in East Los Angeles is $613,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

East Los Angeles vs Elgin — common questions

Is East Los Angeles or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between East Los Angeles and Elgin?
Median rent in East Los Angeles is $1,431/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $171/month.
Which city has higher income, East Los Angeles or Elgin?
Median household income is $68,378 in East Los Angeles and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $19,938/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to East Los Angeles or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,431/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 East Los Angeles details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for East Los Angeles and Elgin

East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont