Cost of Living: Evansville, IN vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Evansville

Indiana
57
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Evansville is 37% cheaper than Elgin.

$949/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 33%
$52,251/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 69%
$129,100 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 96%
$919/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 63%
116,441
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Evansville, IN and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $311/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $3,732/year.

Median household income is $36,065/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Evansville is $129,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Evansville vs Elgin — common questions

Is Evansville or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Evansville and Elgin?
Median rent in Evansville is $949/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $311/month.
Which city has higher income, Evansville or Elgin?
Median household income is $52,251 in Evansville and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $36,065/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Illinois?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Evansville or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Evansville has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $949/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 Evansville details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Evansville and Elgin

Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont