Cost of Living: Lancaster, CA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Lancaster is 38% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,696/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 26%
$76,083/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 16%
$409,100 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 38%
$1,746/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 14%
170,013
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $436/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $5,232/year.

Median household income is $12,233/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Elgin — common questions

Is Lancaster or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Elgin?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $436/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Elgin?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $12,233/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Elgin

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont