Carol Stream, IL vs Elgin, IL

Elgin is moderately more affordable than Carol Stream, with a 11.4% lower cost of living index. Carol Stream scores 106 compared to 95 for Elgin, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Carol Stream can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Carol Stream is $1,465/month compared to $1,260/month in Elgin — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elgin is more affordable at $252,400 median vs $308,700.

Median household income in Carol Stream is $105,395 compared to $88,316 in Elgin (+19.3%). While Carol Stream is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Carol Stream spend roughly 16.7% of their income on rent, less than the 17.1% in Elgin.