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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Pasadena is 144% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,218/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 43%
$103,778/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 15%
$1,045,000 ↑ 314%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 76%
$2,340/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 36%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $958/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $11,496/year.

Median household income is $15,462/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Elgin — common questions

Is Pasadena or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Elgin?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $958/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Elgin?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $15,462/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pasadena and Elgin

Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont