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

Lakeland

Florida
82
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Lakeland is 9% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,299/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 3%
$60,947/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 45%
$229,100 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 10%
$1,149/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 31%
117,030
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakeland, FL and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $27,369/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakeland is $229,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakeland vs Elgin — common questions

Is Lakeland or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakeland and Elgin?
Median rent in Lakeland is $1,299/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $39/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakeland or Elgin?
Median household income is $60,947 in Lakeland and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $27,369/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 Lakeland or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,299/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 Lakeland details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakeland and Elgin

Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont