Cost of Living: Hartford, CT vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Hartford

Connecticut
81
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Hartford is 10% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,221/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 3%
$45,300/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 95%
$217,200 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 16%
$1,279/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 17%
119,970
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

32.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hartford, CT and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $43,016/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hartford is $217,200 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hartford vs Elgin — common questions

Is Hartford or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hartford and Elgin?
Median rent in Hartford is $1,221/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $39/month.
Which city has higher income, Hartford or Elgin?
Median household income is $45,300 in Hartford and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $43,016/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Illinois?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Hartford or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Hartford has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,221/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 Hartford details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hartford and Elgin

Hartford vs. Fairfield Hartford vs. West Palm Beach Hartford vs. Berkeley Hartford vs. Spring Hill Hartford vs. Ann Arbor Hartford vs. Wilmington Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont