Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Fort Collins is 52% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,661/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 24%
$83,598/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 6%
$548,400 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 54%
$1,692/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 11%
169,705
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $401/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $4,812/year.

Median household income is $4,718/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Elgin — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Elgin?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $401/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Elgin?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $4,718/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Elgin

Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont