Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Syracuse is 34% cheaper than Elgin.

$998/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 26%
$45,845/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 93%
$125,100 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 102%
$980/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 53%
146,211
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $262/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $3,144/year.

Median household income is $42,471/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Elgin — common questions

Is Syracuse or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Elgin?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $262/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Elgin?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $42,471/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between New York and Illinois?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $998/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 Syracuse details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Syracuse and Elgin

Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont