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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Tempe is 33% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,623/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 22%
$77,643/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 14%
$421,900 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 40%
$1,554/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 3%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $363/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $4,356/year.

Median household income is $10,673/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Elgin — common questions

Is Tempe or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Elgin?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $363/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Elgin?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $10,673/year higher in Elgin.
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 Tempe or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Elgin

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont