Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Kent is 61% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,833/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 31%
$90,416/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 2%
$537,500 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 53%
$1,915/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 22%
135,015
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $573/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $6,876/year.

Median household income is $2,100/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Elgin — common questions

Is Kent or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Elgin?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $573/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Elgin?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $2,100/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Illinois?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/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 Kent details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Elgin

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont