Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Raleigh is 22% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,468/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 14%
$82,424/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 7%
$377,800 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 33%
$1,487/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 1%
470,763
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $5,892/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Elgin — common questions

Is Raleigh or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Elgin?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Elgin?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $5,892/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Elgin

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