Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Tampa is 26% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,567/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 20%
$71,302/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 24%
$375,300 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 33%
$1,553/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 3%
393,389
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $17,014/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Elgin — common questions

Is Tampa or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Elgin?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Elgin?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $17,014/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Elgin details →

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