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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Louisville is 18% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,069/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 18%
$64,731/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 36%
$221,500 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 14%
$1,118/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 34%
627,210
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $23,585/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Elgin — common questions

Is Louisville or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Elgin?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Elgin?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $23,585/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 Louisville or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Elgin details →

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