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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

San Jose is 182% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,617/mo ↑ 108%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 52%
$141,565/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 38%
$1,187,800 ↑ 371%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 79%
$2,775/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 46%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,357/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $16,284/year.

Median household income is $53,249/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Elgin — common questions

Is San Jose or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Elgin?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $1,357/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Elgin?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $53,249/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Elgin details →

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