Cost of Living: Independence, MO vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Independence

Missouri
67
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Independence is 26% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,061/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 19%
$59,480/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 48%
$166,400 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 52%
$1,046/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 44%
121,944
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Independence, MO and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $199/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $2,388/year.

Median household income is $28,836/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Independence is $166,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Independence vs Elgin — common questions

Is Independence or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Independence and Elgin?
Median rent in Independence is $1,061/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $199/month.
Which city has higher income, Independence or Elgin?
Median household income is $59,480 in Independence and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $28,836/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Illinois?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Independence or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Independence has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,061/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 Independence details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Independence and Elgin

Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont