Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Elgin, IL (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

St. Petersburg is 18% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,542/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 18%
$73,118/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 21%
$331,500 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 24%
$1,435/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 5%
260,646
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $282/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $3,384/year.

Median household income is $15,198/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Elgin — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Elgin?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $282/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Elgin?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $15,198/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/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. Petersburg details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Petersburg and Elgin

St. Petersburg vs. Lubbock St. Petersburg vs. Laredo St. Petersburg vs. Fort Wayne St. Petersburg vs. Irving St. Petersburg vs. Toledo St. Petersburg vs. Chesapeake Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont