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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Glendale is 13% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,397/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 10%
$70,139/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 26%
$347,000 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 27%
$1,356/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 11%
250,193
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $137/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $1,644/year.

Median household income is $18,177/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Elgin — common questions

Is Glendale or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Elgin?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $137/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Elgin?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $18,177/year higher in Elgin.
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 Glendale or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Elgin

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