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

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Fairfield is 86% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,191/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 42%
$102,321/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 14%
$592,500 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 57%
$2,226/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 33%
119,985
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $931/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $11,172/year.

Median household income is $14,005/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs Elgin — common questions

Is Fairfield or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Elgin?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $931/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Elgin?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $14,005/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/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 Fairfield details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fairfield and Elgin

Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont