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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Elk Grove is 87% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,180/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 42%
$122,229/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 28%
$603,400 ↑ 139%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 58%
$2,227/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 33%
177,221
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $920/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $11,040/year.

Median household income is $33,913/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Elgin — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Elgin?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $920/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Elgin?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $33,913/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Elgin

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont