Cost of Living: Manchester, NH vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Manchester

New Hampshire
106
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Manchester is 18% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,465/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 14%
$77,415/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 14%
$336,300 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 25%
$1,548/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 3%
115,415
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Manchester, NH and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $205/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $2,460/year.

Median household income is $10,901/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Manchester is $336,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manchester vs Elgin — common questions

Is Manchester or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Manchester and Elgin?
Median rent in Manchester is $1,465/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $205/month.
Which city has higher income, Manchester or Elgin?
Median household income is $77,415 in Manchester and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $10,901/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between New Hampshire and Illinois?
New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Manchester or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Manchester has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,465/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 Manchester details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Manchester and Elgin

Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont