Cost of Living: Elgin, IL vs Temecula, CA (2026)

Elgin

Illinois
90
VS

Temecula

California
179

Elgin is 50% cheaper than Temecula.

$1,260/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 82%
$88,316/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 33%
$252,400 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$640,400 ↑ 154%
$1,502/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 62%
114,106
Population
110,404

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

17.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elgin, IL and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,037/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $12,444/year.

Median household income is $29,524/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elgin is $252,400 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elgin vs Temecula — common questions

Is Elgin or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elgin and Temecula?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $1,037/month.
Which city has higher income, Elgin or Temecula?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $29,524/year higher in Temecula.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Elgin or Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Elgin has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,260/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elgin details → View Temecula details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elgin and Temecula

Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont Temecula vs. Costa Mesa Temecula vs. Ventura Temecula vs. Everett Temecula vs. Santa Maria Temecula vs. Miami Gardens Temecula vs. Sugar Land