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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Moreno Valley is 60% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,036/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 38%
$87,477/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$88,316/yr ≈ Same
$461,400 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 45%
$1,980/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 24%
210,378
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

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $776/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $9,312/year.

Median household income is $839/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Elgin — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Elgin?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $776/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Elgin?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $839/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 Moreno Valley or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/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 Moreno Valley details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Elgin

Moreno Valley vs. Fontana Moreno Valley vs. Frisco Moreno Valley vs. Des Moines Moreno Valley vs. Rochester Moreno Valley vs. Modesto Moreno Valley vs. Fayetteville Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont