Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Jersey City is 64% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,902/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 34%
$94,813/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 7%
$534,500 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 53%
$2,006/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 25%
289,691
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $642/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $7,704/year.

Median household income is $6,497/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Elgin — common questions

Is Jersey City or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Elgin?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $642/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Elgin?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $6,497/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Illinois?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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