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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

San Bernardino is 21% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,433/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 12%
$63,988/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 38%
$384,900 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 34%
$1,478/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 2%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $173/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $2,076/year.

Median household income is $24,328/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Elgin — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Elgin?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $173/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Elgin?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $24,328/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 San Bernardino or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Bernardino and Elgin

San Bernardino vs. Hialeah San Bernardino vs. Tacoma San Bernardino vs. Baton Rouge San Bernardino vs. Port St. Lucie San Bernardino vs. Richmond San Bernardino vs. Spring Valley Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont