Cost of Living: Elgin, IL vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Elgin

Illinois
90
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Elgin is 13% cheaper than South Fulton.

$1,260/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↑ 28%
$88,316/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↓ 7%
$252,400 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$270,600 ↑ 7%
$1,502/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↑ 3%
114,106
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

17.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elgin, IL and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $347/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $4,164/year.

Median household income is $6,518/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elgin is $252,400 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elgin vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Elgin or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elgin and South Fulton?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $347/month.
Which city has higher income, Elgin or South Fulton?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $6,518/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Georgia?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Elgin or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Elgin has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,260/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elgin details → View South Fulton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elgin and South Fulton

Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont South Fulton vs. Greeley South Fulton vs. Sparks South Fulton vs. Sugar Land South Fulton vs. Dearborn South Fulton vs. Santa Maria South Fulton vs. Riverview