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

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Pasadena is 16% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,201/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 5%
$64,270/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 37%
$193,600 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 30%
$1,141/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 32%
149,345
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $59/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $708/year.

Median household income is $24,046/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Elgin — common questions

Is Pasadena or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Elgin?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $59/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Elgin?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $24,046/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% 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 76 with median rent of $1,201/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. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont