Cost of Living: Stamford, CT vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Stamford

Connecticut
172
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Stamford is 91% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,207/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 43%
$107,474/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 18%
$614,300 ↑ 143%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 59%
$2,358/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 36%
135,806
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stamford, CT and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $947/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $11,364/year.

Median household income is $19,158/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stamford is $614,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stamford vs Elgin — common questions

Is Stamford or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stamford and Elgin?
Median rent in Stamford is $2,207/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $947/month.
Which city has higher income, Stamford or Elgin?
Median household income is $107,474 in Stamford and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $19,158/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Illinois?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Stamford or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Stamford has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,207/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 Stamford details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Stamford and Elgin

Stamford vs. Elizabeth Stamford vs. Kent Stamford vs. Victorville Stamford vs. Midland Stamford vs. Miramar Stamford vs. Coral Springs Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont