Chicago, IL vs Elgin, IL: Cost of Living Comparison
Elgin has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Elgin | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 98 | 90 | Elgin |
| Housing | 91 ($966) | 72 ($882) | Elgin |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Elgin |
| Food & groceries | 101 ($414) | 118 ($484) | Chicago |
| Utilities | 96 ($164) | 86 ($130) | Elgin |
| Healthcare | 96 ($118) | 86 ($94) | Elgin |
| Median annual wage | 107 ($51,960) | 107 ($51,960) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago, IL or Elgin, IL cheaper to live in?
Elgin, IL is cheaper overall by about 8 index points (Chicago, IL: 98, Elgin, IL: 90; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Chicago, IL vs Elgin, IL?
A single adult needs roughly $34,300/year in Chicago, IL and $31,500/year in Elgin, IL to cover basic living costs.