Cost of Living: Vancouver, WA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Vancouver

Washington
123
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Vancouver is 37% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,632/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 23%
$78,156/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 13%
$440,300 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 43%
$1,607/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 7%
192,696
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vancouver, WA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 123 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $10,160/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vancouver is $440,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Vancouver residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver vs Elgin — common questions

Is Vancouver or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vancouver and Elgin?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,632/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $372/month.
Which city has higher income, Vancouver or Elgin?
Median household income is $78,156 in Vancouver and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $10,160/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Illinois?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Vancouver or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with median rent of $1,632/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 Vancouver details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Vancouver and Elgin

Vancouver vs. Knoxville Vancouver vs. Glendale Vancouver vs. Peoria Vancouver vs. Providence Vancouver vs. Huntington Beach Vancouver vs. Akron Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont