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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Los Angeles is 108% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,879/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 33%
$80,366/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 10%
$879,500 ↑ 248%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 71%
$2,055/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 27%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $619/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $7,428/year.

Median household income is $7,950/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Elgin — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Elgin?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $619/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Elgin?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $7,950/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 Los Angeles or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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