Cost of Living: Springfield, MO vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Springfield is 33% cheaper than Elgin.

$920/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 37%
$45,984/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 92%
$165,200 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 53%
$908/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 65%
169,432
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $340/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $4,080/year.

Median household income is $42,332/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Elgin — common questions

Is Springfield or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Elgin?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $340/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Elgin?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $42,332/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Illinois?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/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 Springfield details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Elgin

Springfield vs. Fort Collins Springfield vs. Palmdale Springfield vs. Lancaster Springfield vs. Salinas Springfield vs. Pembroke Pines Springfield vs. Hayward Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont