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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Riverside is 60% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,812/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 30%
$88,575/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$88,316/yr ≈ Same
$542,100 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 53%
$1,880/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 20%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $552/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $6,624/year.

Median household income is $259/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Elgin — common questions

Is Riverside or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Elgin?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $552/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Elgin?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $259/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Elgin details →

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