Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Scottsdale is 83% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,910/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 34%
$107,372/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 18%
$709,900 ↑ 181%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 64%
$1,824/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 18%
242,169
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $650/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $7,800/year.

Median household income is $19,056/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Elgin — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Elgin?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $650/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Elgin?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $19,056/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Elgin

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont