Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Jacksonville and Elgin have a similar cost of living.

$1,375/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 8%
$66,981/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 32%
$266,100 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 5%
$1,324/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 13%
961,739
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $115/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $1,380/year.

Median household income is $21,335/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Elgin — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Elgin?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $115/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Elgin?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $21,335/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jacksonville and Elgin

Jacksonville vs. Austin Jacksonville vs. Fort Worth Jacksonville vs. San Jose Jacksonville vs. Columbus Jacksonville vs. Dallas Jacksonville vs. Charlotte Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont