Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Lexington is 9% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,101/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 14%
$67,631/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 31%
$272,100 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 7%
$1,160/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 29%
321,122
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $159/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $1,908/year.

Median household income is $20,685/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Elgin — common questions

Is Lexington or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Elgin?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $159/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Elgin?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $20,685/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Illinois?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Elgin details →

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