Cost of Living: Irvine, CA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Irvine

California
256
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Irvine is 184% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,893/mo ↑ 130%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 56%
$129,647/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 32%
$1,115,400 ↑ 342%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 77%
$2,904/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 48%
308,160
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,633/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $19,596/year.

Median household income is $41,331/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Elgin — common questions

Is Irvine or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Elgin?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $1,633/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Elgin?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $41,331/year higher in Irvine.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Irvine or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Elgin details →

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