Cost of Living: Topeka, KS vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Topeka is 36% cheaper than Elgin.

$947/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 33%
$55,902/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 58%
$130,600 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 93%
$930/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 62%
126,103
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $32,414/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Elgin — common questions

Is Topeka or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Elgin?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Elgin?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $32,414/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Illinois?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/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 Topeka details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and Elgin

Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont