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

Elgin

Illinois
90
VS

Ventura

California
183

Elgin is 51% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,260/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 67%
$88,316/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 14%
$252,400 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 209%
$1,502/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 41%
114,106
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elgin, IL and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $841/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $10,092/year.

Median household income is $12,091/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elgin is $252,400 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elgin vs Ventura — common questions

Is Elgin or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elgin and Ventura?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $841/month.
Which city has higher income, Elgin or Ventura?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $12,091/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Elgin has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,260/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elgin details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elgin and Ventura

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