Cost of Living: Elgin, IL vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Elgin

Illinois
90
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Elgin is 7% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,260/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 5%
$88,316/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 17%
$252,400 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 18%
$1,502/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 17%
114,106
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

17.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elgin, IL and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $62/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $744/year.

Median household income is $15,286/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elgin is $252,400 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elgin vs Odessa — common questions

Is Elgin or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elgin and Odessa?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $62/month.
Which city has higher income, Elgin or Odessa?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $15,286/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Elgin or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Elgin has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,260/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elgin details → View Odessa details →