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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Glendale is 138% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,095/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 40%
$84,262/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 5%
$1,043,900 ↑ 314%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 76%
$2,212/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 32%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $835/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $10,020/year.

Median household income is $4,054/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin 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 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Elgin?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $835/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Elgin?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $4,054/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 Glendale or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont