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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Fresno is 12% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,324/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 5%
$66,804/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 32%
$348,500 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 28%
$1,391/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 8%
543,615
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $64/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $768/year.

Median household income is $21,512/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Elgin — common questions

Is Fresno or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Elgin?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $64/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Elgin?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $21,512/year higher in Elgin.
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 Fresno or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fresno and Elgin

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