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

Round Rock

Texas
122
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Round Rock is 36% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,713/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 26%
$97,187/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 9%
$383,700 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 34%
$1,781/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 16%
124,288
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Round Rock, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $453/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $5,436/year.

Median household income is $8,871/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Round Rock is $383,700 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Round Rock vs Elgin — common questions

Is Round Rock 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 Round Rock and Elgin?
Median rent in Round Rock is $1,713/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $453/month.
Which city has higher income, Round Rock or Elgin?
Median household income is $97,187 in Round Rock and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $8,871/year higher in Round Rock.
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 Round Rock or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,713/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 Round Rock details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Round Rock and Elgin

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