Cost of Living: West Palm Beach, FL vs Elgin, IL (2026)

West Palm Beach

Florida
119
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

West Palm Beach is 32% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,709/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 26%
$69,261/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 28%
$369,800 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 32%
$1,667/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 10%
119,508
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

29.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing West Palm Beach, FL and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $449/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $5,388/year.

Median household income is $19,055/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in West Palm Beach is $369,800 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

West Palm Beach vs Elgin — common questions

Is West Palm Beach or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between West Palm Beach and Elgin?
Median rent in West Palm Beach is $1,709/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $449/month.
Which city has higher income, West Palm Beach or Elgin?
Median household income is $69,261 in West Palm Beach and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $19,055/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to West Palm Beach or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,709/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 West Palm Beach details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for West Palm Beach and Elgin

West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont