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

Elgin

Illinois
90
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Elgin is 33% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,260/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 54%
$88,316/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 56%
$252,400 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 61%
$1,502/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 31%
114,106
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

17.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elgin, IL and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $679/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $8,148/year.

Median household income is $49,195/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elgin is $252,400 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elgin vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Elgin or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elgin and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $679/month.
Which city has higher income, Elgin or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $49,195/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Elgin has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,260/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elgin details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elgin and Sugar Land

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