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

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Killeen is 17% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,147/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 10%
$58,339/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 51%
$196,000 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 29%
$1,176/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 28%
156,144
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $29,977/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Elgin — common questions

Is Killeen or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Elgin?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Elgin?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $29,977/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 Killeen or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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 Killeen details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and Elgin

Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont