Cost of Living: The Woodlands, TX vs Elgin, IL (2026)

The Woodlands

Texas
139
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

The Woodlands is 54% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,792/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 30%
$141,353/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 38%
$479,400 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 47%
$2,005/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 25%
116,916
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

15.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing The Woodlands, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 139 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $532/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $6,384/year.

Median household income is $53,037/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in The Woodlands is $479,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Woodlands vs Elgin — common questions

Is The Woodlands or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between The Woodlands and Elgin?
Median rent in The Woodlands is $1,792/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $532/month.
Which city has higher income, The Woodlands or Elgin?
Median household income is $141,353 in The Woodlands and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $53,037/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to The Woodlands or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with median rent of $1,792/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 The Woodlands details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for The Woodlands and Elgin

The Woodlands vs. Lakeland The Woodlands vs. Evansville The Woodlands vs. Clearwater The Woodlands vs. Brandon The Woodlands vs. North Charleston The Woodlands vs. West Jordan Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont