Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Meridian is 46% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,714/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 26%
$98,686/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 11%
$485,000 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 48%
$1,607/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 7%
124,865
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $454/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $5,448/year.

Median household income is $10,370/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Elgin — common questions

Is Meridian or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Elgin?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $454/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Elgin?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $10,370/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Illinois?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/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 Meridian details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Elgin

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont