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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Garland is 7% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,525/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 17%
$74,717/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 18%
$248,900 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 1%
$1,445/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 4%
245,298
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $265/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $3,180/year.

Median household income is $13,599/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Elgin — common questions

Is Garland or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Elgin?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $265/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Elgin?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $13,599/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 Garland or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Elgin

Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont