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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Fremont is 209% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,905/mo ↑ 131%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 57%
$176,350/yr ↑ 100%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 50%
$1,289,400 ↑ 411%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 80%
$3,000/mo ↑ 100%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 50%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,645/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $19,740/year.

Median household income is $88,034/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Elgin — common questions

Is Fremont or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Elgin?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $1,645/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Elgin?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $88,034/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Elgin

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont