Elgin, IL vs Madison, WI: Cost of Living Comparison
Elgin has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Elgin | Madison | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 90 | 100 | Elgin |
| Housing | 72 ($882) | 100 ($955) | Elgin |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 98 ($3.50) | Madison |
| Food & groceries | 118 ($484) | 103 ($422) | Madison |
| Utilities | 86 ($130) | 100 ($180) | Elgin |
| Healthcare | 86 ($94) | 100 ($130) | Elgin |
| Median annual wage | 107 ($51,960) | 104 ($50,270) | Madison |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elgin, IL or Madison, WI cheaper to live in?
Elgin, IL is cheaper overall by about 10 index points (Elgin, IL: 90, Madison, WI: 100; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Elgin, IL vs Madison, WI?
A single adult needs roughly $31,500/year in Elgin, IL and $35,000/year in Madison, WI to cover basic living costs.