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

Pomona

California
143
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Pomona is 59% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,738/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 28%
$78,869/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 12%
$569,600 ↑ 126%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 56%
$1,758/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 15%
148,391
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

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pomona, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 143 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $478/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $5,736/year.

Median household income is $9,447/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pomona is $569,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pomona vs Elgin — common questions

Is Pomona or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pomona and Elgin?
Median rent in Pomona is $1,738/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $478/month.
Which city has higher income, Pomona or Elgin?
Median household income is $78,869 in Pomona and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $9,447/year higher in Elgin.
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 Pomona or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Pomona has a cost index of 143 with median rent of $1,738/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 Pomona details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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Pomona vs. Mesquite Pomona vs. Bridgeport Pomona vs. Pasadena Pomona vs. Rockford Pomona vs. Naperville Pomona vs. Savannah Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont