Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Seattle is 118% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,998/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 37%
$121,984/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 28%
$912,100 ↑ 261%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 72%
$2,220/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 32%
741,440
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $738/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $8,856/year.

Median household income is $33,668/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Elgin — common questions

Is Seattle or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Elgin?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $738/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Elgin?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $33,668/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Illinois?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Elgin

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