Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Elgin, IL (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

St. Paul and Elgin have a similar cost of living.

$1,248/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ≈ Same
$73,055/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 21%
$280,300 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 10%
$1,390/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 8%
307,762
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $15,261/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Elgin — common questions

Is St. Paul or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Elgin?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Elgin?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $15,261/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Illinois?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Elgin

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont