Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Gilbert is 64% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,028/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 38%
$121,351/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 27%
$518,600 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 51%
$1,908/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 21%
271,118
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $768/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $9,216/year.

Median household income is $33,035/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Elgin — common questions

Is Gilbert or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Elgin?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $768/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Elgin?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $33,035/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Elgin

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont