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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Houston and Elgin have a similar cost of living.

$1,313/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 4%
$62,894/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 40%
$253,400 ≈ Same
Home Value
$252,400 ≈ Same
$1,316/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 14%
2,300,419
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $25,422/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Elgin — common questions

Is Houston or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Elgin?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Elgin?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $25,422/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 Houston or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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