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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Plano is 47% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,792/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 30%
$108,649/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 19%
$440,600 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 43%
$1,829/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 18%
287,339
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $532/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $6,384/year.

Median household income is $20,333/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Elgin — common questions

Is Plano or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Elgin?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $532/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Elgin?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $20,333/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Elgin

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont