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

Orange

California
206
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Orange is 129% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,252/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 44%
$116,945/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 24%
$900,700 ↑ 257%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 72%
$2,394/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 37%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $992/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $11,904/year.

Median household income is $28,629/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Elgin — common questions

Is Orange or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Elgin?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $992/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Elgin?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $28,629/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Elgin

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont