Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Huntsville is 13% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,078/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 17%
$70,778/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 25%
$263,100 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 4%
$1,046/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 44%
218,814
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $17,538/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Elgin — common questions

Is Huntsville or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Elgin?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $182/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Elgin?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $17,538/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Illinois?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Elgin

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont