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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Oakland is 117% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,917/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 34%
$97,369/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 9%
$924,700 ↑ 266%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 73%
$2,164/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 31%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $657/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $7,884/year.

Median household income is $9,053/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Elgin — common questions

Is Oakland or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Elgin?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $657/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Elgin?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $9,053/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Elgin

Oakland vs. Miami Oakland vs. Minneapolis Oakland vs. Virginia Beach Oakland vs. Tulsa Oakland vs. Long Beach Oakland vs. Bakersfield Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont