Cost of Living: Richardson, TX vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Richardson

Texas
128
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Richardson is 42% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,825/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 31%
$96,257/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 8%
$405,600 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 38%
$1,796/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 16%
118,269
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richardson, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $565/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $6,780/year.

Median household income is $7,941/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richardson is $405,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richardson vs Elgin — common questions

Is Richardson or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richardson and Elgin?
Median rent in Richardson is $1,825/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $565/month.
Which city has higher income, Richardson or Elgin?
Median household income is $96,257 in Richardson and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $7,941/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Richardson or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Richardson has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,825/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 Richardson details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richardson and Elgin

Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont