Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Fort Worth is 8% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,412/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 11%
$76,602/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 15%
$277,300 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 9%
$1,489/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ≈ Same
941,311
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $11,714/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Fort Worth residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Elgin — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Elgin?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Elgin?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $11,714/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/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 Worth details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Worth and Elgin

Fort Worth vs. Jacksonville Fort Worth vs. Columbus Fort Worth vs. Austin Fort Worth vs. Charlotte Fort Worth vs. San Jose Fort Worth vs. Indianapolis Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont