Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Stockton is 28% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,495/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 16%
$76,851/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 15%
$412,900 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 39%
$1,555/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 3%
320,470
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $235/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $2,820/year.

Median household income is $11,465/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Elgin — common questions

Is Stockton or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Elgin?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $235/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Elgin?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $11,465/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Elgin details →

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