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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Ontario is 69% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,916/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 34%
$82,806/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 7%
$568,000 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 56%
$1,967/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 24%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $656/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $7,872/year.

Median household income is $5,510/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Elgin — common questions

Is Ontario or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Elgin?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $656/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Elgin?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $5,510/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 Ontario or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Elgin

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont