Cost of Living: Rancho Cucamonga, CA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Rancho Cucamonga is 102% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,286/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 45%
$109,511/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 19%
$694,400 ↑ 175%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 64%
$2,324/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 35%
174,693
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,026/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $12,312/year.

Median household income is $21,195/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rancho Cucamonga is $694,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rancho Cucamonga vs Elgin — common questions

Is Rancho Cucamonga or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rancho Cucamonga and Elgin?
Median rent in Rancho Cucamonga is $2,286/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $1,026/month.
Which city has higher income, Rancho Cucamonga or Elgin?
Median household income is $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $21,195/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Rancho Cucamonga or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,286/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 Rancho Cucamonga details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rancho Cucamonga and Elgin

Rancho Cucamonga vs. Salem Rancho Cucamonga vs. Oceanside Rancho Cucamonga vs. Cary Rancho Cucamonga vs. Clarksville Rancho Cucamonga vs. Santa Rosa Rancho Cucamonga vs. Garden Grove Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont