Cost of Living: Elgin, IL vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Elgin

Illinois
90
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Elgin is 14% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,260/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ≈ Same
$88,316/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 26%
$252,400 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 18%
$1,502/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 22%
114,106
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

17.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elgin, IL and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $23,124/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elgin is $252,400 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elgin vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Elgin or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elgin and Dearborn?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Elgin or Dearborn?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $23,124/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Michigan?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Elgin or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Elgin has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,260/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elgin details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elgin and Dearborn

Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont Dearborn vs. Sparks Dearborn vs. Riverview Dearborn vs. South Fulton Dearborn vs. Tyler Dearborn vs. Greeley Dearborn vs. Tuscaloosa