Cost of Living: Vallejo, CA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Vallejo

California
155
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Vallejo is 72% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,013/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 37%
$89,496/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 1%
$557,500 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 55%
$2,058/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 27%
124,637
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vallejo, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 155 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $753/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $9,036/year.

Median household income is $1,180/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vallejo is $557,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vallejo vs Elgin — common questions

Is Vallejo or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vallejo and Elgin?
Median rent in Vallejo is $2,013/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $753/month.
Which city has higher income, Vallejo or Elgin?
Median household income is $89,496 in Vallejo and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $1,180/year higher in Vallejo.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Vallejo or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with median rent of $2,013/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 Vallejo details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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