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

Elgin

Illinois
90
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Elgin is 34% cheaper than Allen.

$1,260/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 49%
$88,316/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 46%
$252,400 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 70%
$1,502/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 39%
114,106
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

17.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elgin, IL and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $617/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $7,404/year.

Median household income is $40,814/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elgin is $252,400 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elgin vs Allen — common questions

Is Elgin or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elgin and Allen?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $617/month.
Which city has higher income, Elgin or Allen?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $40,814/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Elgin or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Elgin has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,260/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elgin details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elgin and Allen

Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont Allen vs. Tuscaloosa Allen vs. New York Allen vs. Tyler Allen vs. Los Angeles Allen vs. Riverview Allen vs. Chicago