Cost of Living: Lowell, MA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Lowell is 32% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,603/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 21%
$76,205/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 16%
$395,100 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 36%
$1,672/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 10%
114,799
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $343/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $4,116/year.

Median household income is $12,111/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Elgin — common questions

Is Lowell or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Elgin?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $343/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Elgin?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $12,111/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lowell or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/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 Lowell details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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