Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

New Orleans and Elgin have a similar cost of living.

$1,211/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 4%
$55,339/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 60%
$296,400 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 15%
$1,274/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 18%
376,035
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $32,977/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making New Orleans slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Elgin — common questions

Is New Orleans or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Elgin?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Elgin?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $32,977/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Illinois?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/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 Orleans details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Elgin

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont