Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Elizabeth is 24% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,463/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 14%
$63,874/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 38%
$393,500 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 36%
$1,543/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 3%
135,887
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $203/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $2,436/year.

Median household income is $24,442/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Elgin — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Elgin?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $203/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Elgin?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $24,442/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Illinois?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Elgin

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont