Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Naperville is 63% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,852/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 32%
$150,937/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 41%
$509,900 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 51%
$2,161/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 30%
149,424
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $592/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $7,104/year.

Median household income is $62,621/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Elgin — common questions

Is Naperville or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Elgin?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $592/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Elgin?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $62,621/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Illinois?
Both cities are in Illinois and share the same state tax rates: 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/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 Naperville details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Elgin

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont