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

Elgin

Illinois
90
VS

Beaumont

Texas
66

Elgin is 24% more expensive than Beaumont.

$1,260/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 15%
$88,316/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$57,530/yr ↓ 35%
$252,400 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$158,800 ↓ 37%
$1,502/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,031/mo ↓ 31%
114,106
Population
113,710

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

17.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elgin, IL and Beaumont, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in Beaumont, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $30,786/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elgin is $252,400 compared to $158,800 in Beaumont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elgin vs Beaumont — common questions

Is Elgin or Beaumont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Beaumont is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elgin and Beaumont?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month and in Beaumont it's $1,072/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Elgin or Beaumont?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin and $57,530 in Beaumont. Median household income is $30,786/year higher in Elgin.
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 Beaumont?
It depends on your priorities. Elgin has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,260/mo, while Beaumont has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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