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

Pearland

Texas
121
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Pearland is 34% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,759/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 28%
$112,470/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 21%
$330,900 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 24%
$1,962/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 23%
125,983
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pearland, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $499/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $5,988/year.

Median household income is $24,154/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pearland is $330,900 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pearland vs Elgin — common questions

Is Pearland or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pearland and Elgin?
Median rent in Pearland is $1,759/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $499/month.
Which city has higher income, Pearland or Elgin?
Median household income is $112,470 in Pearland and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $24,154/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Pearland has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,759/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 Pearland details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pearland and Elgin

Pearland vs. Topeka Pearland vs. Simi Valley Pearland vs. Athens Pearland vs. Thousand Oaks Pearland vs. Abilene Pearland vs. Allentown Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont