Cost of Living: Port St. Lucie, FL vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Port St. Lucie is 26% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,781/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 29%
$78,137/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 13%
$327,700 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 23%
$1,507/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ≈ Same
220,453
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Port St. Lucie, FL and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $521/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $6,252/year.

Median household income is $10,179/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Port St. Lucie is $327,700 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Port St. Lucie residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Port St. Lucie vs Elgin — common questions

Is Port St. Lucie or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Port St. Lucie and Elgin?
Median rent in Port St. Lucie is $1,781/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $521/month.
Which city has higher income, Port St. Lucie or Elgin?
Median household income is $78,137 in Port St. Lucie and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $10,179/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Port St. Lucie or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,781/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 Port St. Lucie details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Port St. Lucie and Elgin

Port St. Lucie vs. Tacoma Port St. Lucie vs. Spring Valley Port St. Lucie vs. San Bernardino Port St. Lucie vs. Huntsville Port St. Lucie vs. Hialeah Port St. Lucie vs. Modesto Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont