Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Salt Lake City is 30% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,343/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 6%
$74,925/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 18%
$495,700 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 49%
$1,394/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 8%
203,888
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $13,391/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Elgin — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Elgin?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Elgin?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $13,391/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Illinois?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and Elgin

Salt Lake City vs. Columbus Salt Lake City vs. Little Rock Salt Lake City vs. Worcester Salt Lake City vs. McKinney Salt Lake City vs. Cape Coral Salt Lake City vs. Augusta Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont