Cost of Living: Hampton, VA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Hampton

Virginia
88
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Hampton and Elgin have a similar cost of living.

$1,346/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 6%
$67,758/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 30%
$234,100 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 8%
$1,347/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 12%
137,334
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hampton, VA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $86/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $1,032/year.

Median household income is $20,558/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hampton is $234,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hampton vs Elgin — common questions

Is Hampton or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hampton and Elgin?
Median rent in Hampton is $1,346/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $86/month.
Which city has higher income, Hampton or Elgin?
Median household income is $67,758 in Hampton and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $20,558/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Hampton or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Hampton has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,346/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 Hampton details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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