Cost of Living: Elgin, IL vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Elgin

Illinois
90
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Elgin is 61% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,260/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 90%
$88,316/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 25%
$252,400 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 318%
$1,502/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 64%
114,106
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

17.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elgin, IL and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,135/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $13,620/year.

Median household income is $21,757/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elgin is $252,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elgin vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Elgin or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elgin and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,135/month.
Which city has higher income, Elgin or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $21,757/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Elgin or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Elgin has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,260/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elgin details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elgin and Costa Mesa

Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria