Cost of Living: Elgin, IL vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Elgin

Illinois
90
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Elgin is 24% cheaper than Gresham.

$1,260/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↑ 20%
$88,316/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 17%
$252,400 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$440,000 ↑ 74%
$1,502/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↑ 6%
114,106
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

17.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elgin, IL and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $248/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $2,976/year.

Median household income is $14,708/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elgin is $252,400 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elgin vs Gresham — common questions

Is Elgin or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elgin and Gresham?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $248/month.
Which city has higher income, Elgin or Gresham?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $14,708/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Oregon?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Elgin or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Elgin has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,260/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elgin details → View Gresham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elgin and Gresham

Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont Gresham vs. Beaumont Gresham vs. Las Cruces Gresham vs. Springfield Gresham vs. Lansing Gresham vs. Odessa Gresham vs. Pompano Beach