Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Reno is 36% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,453/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 13%
$78,448/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 13%
$498,600 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 49%
$1,482/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 1%
268,959
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $9,868/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Elgin — common questions

Is Reno or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Elgin?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Elgin?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $9,868/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Illinois?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Reno and Elgin

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