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

Elgin

Illinois
90
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Elgin is 14% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,260/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 5%
$88,316/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 26%
$252,400 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 14%
$1,502/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 22%
114,106
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elgin, IL and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $22,789/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elgin is $252,400 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elgin vs Tyler — common questions

Is Elgin or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elgin and Tyler?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Elgin or Tyler?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $22,789/year higher in Elgin.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Elgin has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,260/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elgin details → View Tyler details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elgin and Tyler

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