Cost of Living: Yonkers, NY vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Yonkers

New York
133
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Yonkers is 48% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,730/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 27%
$81,816/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 8%
$478,000 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 47%
$1,759/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 15%
209,529
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Yonkers, NY and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 133 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $470/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $5,640/year.

Median household income is $6,500/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Yonkers is $478,000 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Yonkers vs Elgin — common questions

Is Yonkers or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 133 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Yonkers and Elgin?
Median rent in Yonkers is $1,730/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $470/month.
Which city has higher income, Yonkers or Elgin?
Median household income is $81,816 in Yonkers and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $6,500/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between New York and Illinois?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Yonkers or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Yonkers has a cost index of 133 with median rent of $1,730/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 Yonkers details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Yonkers and Elgin

Yonkers vs. Fayetteville Yonkers vs. Cape Coral Yonkers vs. Rochester Yonkers vs. Worcester Yonkers vs. Frisco Yonkers vs. Columbus Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont