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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

San Diego is 119% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,223/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 43%
$104,321/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 15%
$848,500 ↑ 236%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 70%
$2,308/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 35%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $963/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $11,556/year.

Median household income is $16,005/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Elgin — common questions

Is San Diego or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Elgin?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $963/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Elgin?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $16,005/year higher in San Diego.
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 Diego or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 Diego details → View Elgin details →

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