El Paso, TX vs Elgin, IL: 67 vs 90

$1,041/mo ↓ 17%

Median Rent

$1,260/mo ↑ 21%

$58,734/yr ↓ 33%

Median Income

$88,316/yr ↑ 50%

$171,700 ↓ 32%

Home Value

$252,400 ↑ 47%

$1,044/mo ↓ 30%

Owner Costs

$1,502/mo ↑ 44%

678,147

Population

114,106

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $219/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $2,628/year.

Median household income is $29,582/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Elgin — common questions

Is El Paso or Elgin cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 90 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between El Paso and Elgin?

Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $219/month.

Which city has higher income, El Paso or Elgin?

Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $29,582/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 El Paso or Elgin?

It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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.

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

El Paso

Elgin

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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