Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Phoenix is 21% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,458/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 14%
$77,041/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 15%
$381,900 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 34%
$1,430/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 5%
1,624,832
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $198/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $2,376/year.

Median household income is $11,275/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Elgin — common questions

Is Phoenix or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Elgin?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $198/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Elgin?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $11,275/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Elgin details →

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