Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Tacoma is 40% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,597/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 21%
$83,857/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 5%
$454,600 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 44%
$1,747/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 14%
220,482
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $337/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $4,044/year.

Median household income is $4,459/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Elgin — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma and Elgin?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $337/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Elgin?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $4,459/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Illinois?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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