Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Providence is 10% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,333/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 5%
$66,772/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 32%
$322,800 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 22%
$1,467/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 2%
190,214
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $73/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $876/year.

Median household income is $21,544/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Elgin — common questions

Is Providence or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Elgin?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $73/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Elgin?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $21,544/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Illinois?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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