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

Irving

Texas
102
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Irving is 13% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,517/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 17%
$79,641/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 11%
$287,300 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 12%
$1,521/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 1%
255,036
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irving, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $8,675/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irving is $287,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving vs Elgin — common questions

Is Irving or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irving and Elgin?
Median rent in Irving is $1,517/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Irving or Elgin?
Median household income is $79,641 in Irving and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $8,675/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 Irving or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Irving has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,517/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 Irving details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Irving and Elgin

Irving vs. Laredo Irving vs. Chesapeake Irving vs. St. Petersburg Irving vs. Winston-Salem Irving vs. Lubbock Irving vs. Glendale Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont