Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Mesa is 19% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,478/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 15%
$78,779/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 12%
$364,300 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 31%
$1,404/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 7%
507,478
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $218/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $2,616/year.

Median household income is $9,537/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Elgin — common questions

Is Mesa or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Elgin?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $218/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Elgin?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $9,537/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Elgin

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont