Cost of Living: Westminster, CO vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Westminster

Colorado
139
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Westminster is 54% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,816/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 31%
$96,145/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 8%
$497,400 ↑ 97%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 49%
$1,841/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 18%
115,546
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Westminster, CO and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 139 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $556/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $6,672/year.

Median household income is $7,829/year higher in Westminster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Westminster is $497,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Westminster slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Westminster vs Elgin — common questions

Is Westminster or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Westminster and Elgin?
Median rent in Westminster is $1,816/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $556/month.
Which city has higher income, Westminster or Elgin?
Median household income is $96,145 in Westminster and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $7,829/year higher in Westminster.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Westminster or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Westminster has a cost index of 139 with median rent of $1,816/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 Westminster details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Westminster and Elgin

Westminster vs. Antioch Westminster vs. Manchester Westminster vs. Broken Arrow Westminster vs. Richmond Westminster vs. West Jordan Westminster vs. High Point Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont