Cost of Living: Santa Clara, CA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Santa Clara is 241% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,985/mo ↑ 137%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 58%
$173,670/yr ↑ 97%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 49%
$1,527,900 ↑ 505%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 83%
$3,051/mo ↑ 103%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 51%
129,239
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

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,725/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $20,700/year.

Median household income is $85,354/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Elgin — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Elgin?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $1,725/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Elgin?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $85,354/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/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 Santa Clara details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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