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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Fullerton is 117% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,124/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 41%
$104,219/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 15%
$859,600 ↑ 241%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 71%
$2,251/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 33%
141,278
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $864/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $10,368/year.

Median household income is $15,903/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Elgin — common questions

Is Fullerton or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Elgin?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $864/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Elgin?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $15,903/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Elgin

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont