Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Surprise is 40% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,917/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 34%
$93,371/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 5%
$396,000 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 36%
$1,587/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 5%
149,519
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $657/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $7,884/year.

Median household income is $5,055/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Elgin — common questions

Is Surprise or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Elgin?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $657/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Elgin?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $5,055/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Elgin

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont