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

Elgin

Illinois
90
VS

Downey

California
169

Elgin is 47% cheaper than Downey.

$1,260/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 50%
$88,316/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 1%
$252,400 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 189%
$1,502/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 33%
114,106
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elgin, IL and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $632/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $7,584/year.

Median household income is $916/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elgin is $252,400 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elgin vs Downey — common questions

Is Elgin or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elgin and Downey?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $632/month.
Which city has higher income, Elgin or Downey?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $916/year higher in Elgin.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Elgin has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,260/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elgin details → View Downey details →

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