Cost of Living: Elgin, IL vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Elgin

Illinois
90
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Elgin is 29% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,260/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 31%
$88,316/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 2%
$252,400 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 81%
$1,502/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 7%
114,106
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

17.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elgin, IL and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $391/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $4,692/year.

Median household income is $1,337/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elgin is $252,400 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elgin vs Sparks — common questions

Is Elgin or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elgin and Sparks?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $391/month.
Which city has higher income, Elgin or Sparks?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $1,337/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Nevada?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Elgin or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Elgin has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,260/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elgin details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elgin and Sparks

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