Cost of Living: Elgin, IL vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Elgin

Illinois
90
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Elgin is 23% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,260/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 20%
$88,316/yr ↑ 82%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 45%
$252,400 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 6%
$1,502/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 31%
114,106
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

17.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elgin, IL and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $255/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $3,060/year.

Median household income is $39,780/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elgin is $252,400 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elgin vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Elgin or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elgin and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $255/month.
Which city has higher income, Elgin or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $39,780/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Alabama?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Elgin or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Elgin has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,260/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elgin details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elgin and Tuscaloosa

Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont Tuscaloosa vs. Tyler Tuscaloosa vs. Allen Tuscaloosa vs. Riverview Tuscaloosa vs. New York Tuscaloosa vs. Dearborn Tuscaloosa vs. Los Angeles