Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Rochester is 32% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,039/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 21%
$46,628/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 89%
$120,600 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 109%
$1,009/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 49%
209,720
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $221/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $2,652/year.

Median household income is $41,688/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Elgin — common questions

Is Rochester or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Elgin?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $221/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Elgin?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $41,688/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between New York and Illinois?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Elgin

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont