Cost of Living: West Valley City, UT vs Elgin, IL (2026)

West Valley City

Utah
109
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

West Valley City is 21% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,445/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 13%
$88,604/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$88,316/yr ≈ Same
$377,300 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 33%
$1,473/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 2%
137,955
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing West Valley City, UT and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $185/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $2,220/year.

Median household income is $288/year higher in West Valley City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in West Valley City is $377,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making West Valley City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

West Valley City vs Elgin — common questions

Is West Valley City or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between West Valley City and Elgin?
Median rent in West Valley City is $1,445/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $185/month.
Which city has higher income, West Valley City or Elgin?
Median household income is $88,604 in West Valley City and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $288/year higher in West Valley City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Illinois?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to West Valley City or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,445/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 Valley City details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for West Valley City and Elgin

West Valley City vs. Columbia West Valley City vs. Hampton West Valley City vs. Warren West Valley City vs. Cedar Rapids West Valley City vs. Orange West Valley City vs. Dayton Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont