Cost of Living: Midland, TX vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Midland

Texas
99
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Midland is 10% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,407/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 10%
$91,169/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 3%
$298,600 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 15%
$1,468/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 2%
133,998
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Midland, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $2,853/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Midland is $298,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Midland residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Midland vs Elgin — common questions

Is Midland or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Midland and Elgin?
Median rent in Midland is $1,407/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Midland or Elgin?
Median household income is $91,169 in Midland and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $2,853/year higher in Midland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Midland or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Midland has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,407/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 Midland details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Midland and Elgin

Midland vs. Kent Midland vs. Coral Springs Midland vs. Stamford Midland vs. Sterling Heights Midland vs. Elizabeth Midland vs. New Haven Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont