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

Grand Prairie

Texas
98
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Grand Prairie is 9% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,470/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 14%
$78,889/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 12%
$272,200 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 7%
$1,480/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 1%
198,564
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Prairie, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $9,427/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Prairie is $272,200 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Prairie vs Elgin — common questions

Is Grand Prairie or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Grand Prairie and Elgin?
Median rent in Grand Prairie is $1,470/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Prairie or Elgin?
Median household income is $78,889 in Grand Prairie and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $9,427/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 Grand Prairie or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Prairie has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,470/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 Grand Prairie details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Grand Prairie and Elgin

Grand Prairie vs. Sunrise Manor Grand Prairie vs. Montgomery Grand Prairie vs. Birmingham Grand Prairie vs. Grand Rapids Grand Prairie vs. Tallahassee Grand Prairie vs. Sioux Falls Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont