Cost of Living: Wilmington, NC vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Wilmington is 11% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,311/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 4%
$63,900/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 38%
$350,300 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 28%
$1,371/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 10%
118,578
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $51/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $612/year.

Median household income is $24,416/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Elgin — common questions

Is Wilmington or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Elgin?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $51/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Elgin?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $24,416/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Wilmington or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/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 Wilmington details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wilmington and Elgin

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