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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Sunnyvale is 279% more expensive than Elgin.

$3,065/mo ↑ 143%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 59%
$181,862/yr ↑ 106%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 51%
$1,816,600 ↑ 620%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 86%
$3,016/mo ↑ 101%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 50%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,805/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $21,660/year.

Median household income is $93,546/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Elgin — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Elgin?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $1,805/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Elgin?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $93,546/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sunnyvale and Elgin

Sunnyvale vs. Springfield Sunnyvale vs. Hollywood Sunnyvale vs. Kansas City Sunnyvale vs. Roseville Sunnyvale vs. Killeen Sunnyvale vs. Charleston Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont