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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Sacramento is 47% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,694/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 26%
$83,753/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 5%
$484,600 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 48%
$1,752/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 14%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $434/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $5,208/year.

Median household income is $4,563/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Elgin — common questions

Is Sacramento or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Elgin?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $434/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Elgin?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $4,563/year higher in Elgin.
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 Sacramento or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Elgin

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont