Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Milwaukee is 26% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,033/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 22%
$51,888/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 70%
$172,000 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 47%
$1,082/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 39%
569,756
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $227/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $2,724/year.

Median household income is $36,428/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Elgin — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Elgin?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $227/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Elgin?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $36,428/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Illinois?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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