Santa Rosa, CA vs Elgin, IL: 172 vs 90

$2,084/mo ↑ 65%

Median Rent

$1,260/mo ↓ 40%

$97,410/yr ↑ 10%

Median Income

$88,316/yr ↓ 9%

$685,000 ↑ 171%

Home Value

$252,400 ↓ 63%

$2,130/mo ↑ 42%

Owner Costs

$1,502/mo ↓ 29%

177,216

Population

114,106

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $824/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $9,888/year.

Median household income is $9,094/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Elgin — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Elgin cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Elgin?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $824/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Elgin?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $9,094/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa or Elgin?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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.

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

Santa Rosa

Elgin

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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