Cost of Living: Lafayette, LA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Lafayette

Louisiana
77
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Lafayette is 14% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,065/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 18%
$61,454/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 44%
$251,300 ≈ Same
Home Value
$252,400 ≈ Same
$1,057/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 42%
121,537
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lafayette, LA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $195/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $2,340/year.

Median household income is $26,862/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lafayette is $251,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette vs Elgin — common questions

Is Lafayette or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lafayette and Elgin?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,065/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $195/month.
Which city has higher income, Lafayette or Elgin?
Median household income is $61,454 in Lafayette and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $26,862/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Illinois?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lafayette or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,065/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 Lafayette details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lafayette and Elgin

Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont