Cost of Living: New Haven, CT vs Elgin, IL (2026)

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

New Haven is 6% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,442/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 13%
$53,771/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 64%
$249,000 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 1%
$1,520/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 1%
132,893
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

32.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $34,545/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Elgin — common questions

Is New Haven or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Elgin?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $182/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Elgin?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $34,545/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Illinois?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to New Haven or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/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 New Haven details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Haven and Elgin

New Haven vs. Sterling Heights New Haven vs. Carrollton New Haven vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Santa Clara New Haven vs. Midland New Haven vs. Fargo Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont