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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Spokane and Elgin have a similar cost of living.

$1,141/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 10%
$65,745/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 34%
$326,200 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 23%
$1,213/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 24%
229,228
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $22,571/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Elgin — common questions

Is Spokane or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Elgin?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Elgin?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $22,571/year higher in Elgin.
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 Spokane or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/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 Spokane details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Spokane and Elgin

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