Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Salem is 17% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,323/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 5%
$71,900/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 23%
$382,400 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 34%
$1,440/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 4%
176,666
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $63/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $756/year.

Median household income is $16,416/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Elgin — common questions

Is Salem or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Elgin?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $63/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Elgin?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $16,416/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Illinois?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and Elgin

Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont