Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Worcester is 16% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,415/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 11%
$67,544/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 31%
$339,500 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 26%
$1,521/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 1%
205,501
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $155/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $1,860/year.

Median household income is $20,772/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Elgin — common questions

Is Worcester or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Elgin?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $155/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Elgin?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $20,772/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Elgin

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont