Cost of Living: Miramar, FL vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Miramar

Florida
135
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Miramar is 50% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,954/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 36%
$86,109/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 3%
$420,300 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 40%
$1,863/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 19%
135,986
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miramar, FL and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $694/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $8,328/year.

Median household income is $2,207/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miramar is $420,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Miramar vs Elgin — common questions

Is Miramar or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miramar and Elgin?
Median rent in Miramar is $1,954/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $694/month.
Which city has higher income, Miramar or Elgin?
Median household income is $86,109 in Miramar and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $2,207/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Miramar or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Miramar has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,954/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 Miramar details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Miramar and Elgin

Miramar vs. Pasadena Miramar vs. Victorville Miramar vs. Dayton Miramar vs. Elizabeth Miramar vs. Cedar Rapids Miramar vs. Stamford Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont