Cost of Living: Toledo, OH vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Toledo

Ohio
52
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Toledo is 42% cheaper than Elgin.

$880/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 43%
$47,532/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 86%
$107,000 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 136%
$856/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 75%
268,461
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Toledo, OH and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 52 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $380/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $4,560/year.

Median household income is $40,784/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Toledo is $107,000 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Toledo vs Elgin — common questions

Is Toledo or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Toledo and Elgin?
Median rent in Toledo is $880/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $380/month.
Which city has higher income, Toledo or Elgin?
Median household income is $47,532 in Toledo and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $40,784/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Illinois?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Toledo or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Toledo has a cost index of 52 with median rent of $880/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 Toledo details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Toledo and Elgin

Toledo vs. Reno Toledo vs. Fort Wayne Toledo vs. North Las Vegas Toledo vs. Lubbock Toledo vs. Gilbert Toledo vs. St. Petersburg Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont