Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Modesto is 33% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,609/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 22%
$77,899/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 13%
$415,600 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 39%
$1,613/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 7%
218,614
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $349/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $4,188/year.

Median household income is $10,417/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Elgin — common questions

Is Modesto or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Elgin?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $349/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Elgin?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $10,417/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Elgin

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont