Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Minneapolis is 13% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,329/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 5%
$80,269/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 10%
$345,600 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 27%
$1,513/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ≈ Same
426,845
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $8,047/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Elgin — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Elgin?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Elgin?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $8,047/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Illinois?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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 Minneapolis details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Minneapolis and Elgin

Minneapolis vs. Oakland Minneapolis vs. Tulsa Minneapolis vs. Miami Minneapolis vs. Bakersfield Minneapolis vs. Virginia Beach Minneapolis vs. Wichita Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont