Cost of Living: Provo, UT vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Provo

Utah
102
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Provo is 13% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,152/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 9%
$62,800/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 41%
$437,100 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 42%
$1,220/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 23%
114,303
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Provo, UT and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $25,516/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Provo is $437,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Provo vs Elgin — common questions

Is Provo or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Provo and Elgin?
Median rent in Provo is $1,152/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Provo or Elgin?
Median household income is $62,800 in Provo and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $25,516/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Illinois?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Provo or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Provo has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,152/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 Provo details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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