Cost of Living: Elgin, IL vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Elgin

Illinois
90
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Elgin is 48% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,260/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 25%
$88,316/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 26%
$252,400 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 39%
$1,502/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 35%
114,106
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

17.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elgin, IL and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $315/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,780/year.

Median household income is $22,779/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elgin is $252,400 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elgin vs Springfield — common questions

Is Elgin or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elgin and Springfield?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $315/month.
Which city has higher income, Elgin or Springfield?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $22,779/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Illinois?
Both cities are in Illinois and share the same state tax rates: 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Elgin or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Elgin has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,260/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elgin details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elgin and Springfield

Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont Elgin vs. East Los Angeles Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces Springfield vs. Waterbury