Cost of Living: High Point, NC vs Elgin, IL (2026)

High Point

North Carolina
73
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

High Point is 19% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,062/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 19%
$61,228/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 44%
$212,400 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 19%
$1,084/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 39%
115,263
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing High Point, NC and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $198/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $2,376/year.

Median household income is $27,088/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in High Point is $212,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

High Point vs Elgin — common questions

Is High Point or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between High Point and Elgin?
Median rent in High Point is $1,062/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $198/month.
Which city has higher income, High Point or Elgin?
Median household income is $61,228 in High Point and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $27,088/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 High Point or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. High Point has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,062/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 High Point details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for High Point and Elgin

High Point vs. Richmond High Point vs. League City High Point vs. Manchester High Point vs. Lowell High Point vs. Westminster High Point vs. East Los Angeles Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont