Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Portland is 53% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,596/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 21%
$88,792/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$88,316/yr ≈ Same
$557,600 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 55%
$1,771/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 15%
642,715
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $336/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $4,032/year.

Median household income is $476/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Elgin — common questions

Is Portland or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Elgin?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $336/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Elgin?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $476/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Illinois?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Elgin details →

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