Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Washington is 90% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,900/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 34%
$106,287/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 17%
$724,600 ↑ 187%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 65%
$2,103/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 29%
672,079
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $640/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $7,680/year.

Median household income is $17,971/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Elgin — common questions

Is Washington or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Elgin?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $640/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Elgin?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $17,971/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Illinois?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Elgin details →

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