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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Long Beach is 88% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,803/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 30%
$83,969/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 5%
$762,200 ↑ 202%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 67%
$1,890/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 21%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $543/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $6,516/year.

Median household income is $4,347/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Elgin — common questions

Is Long Beach or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Elgin?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $543/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Elgin?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $4,347/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 Long Beach or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Elgin details →

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