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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Santa Clarita is 119% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,486/mo ↑ 97%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 49%
$119,926/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 26%
$721,000 ↑ 186%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 65%
$2,649/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 43%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,226/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $14,712/year.

Median household income is $31,610/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Elgin — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Elgin?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $1,226/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Elgin?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $31,610/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Clarita details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Elgin

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont