Cost of Living: Elgin, IL vs Everett, WA (2026)

Elgin

Illinois
90
VS

Everett

Washington
137

Elgin is 34% cheaper than Everett.

$1,260/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,675/mo ↑ 33%
$88,316/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$81,502/yr ↓ 8%
$252,400 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$532,300 ↑ 111%
$1,502/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,738/mo ↑ 16%
114,106
Population
111,083

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

17.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elgin, IL and Everett, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $415/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $4,980/year.

Median household income is $6,814/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elgin is $252,400 compared to $532,300 in Everett.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elgin vs Everett — common questions

Is Elgin or Everett 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 Everett?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month and in Everett it's $1,675/month — a difference of $415/month.
Which city has higher income, Elgin or Everett?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin and $81,502 in Everett. Median household income is $6,814/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Washington?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Elgin or Everett?
It depends on your priorities. Elgin has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,260/mo, while Everett has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,675/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elgin details → View Everett details →

More Comparisons

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