DeKalb, IL vs Elgin, IL

DeKalb is moderately more affordable than Elgin, with a 11.6% lower cost of living index. DeKalb scores 84 compared to 95 for Elgin, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Elgin can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in DeKalb is $1,030/month compared to $1,260/month in Elgin — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: DeKalb is more affordable at $202,900 median vs $252,400.

Median household income in DeKalb is $46,564 compared to $88,316 in Elgin (-47.3%). While Elgin is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of DeKalb spend roughly 26.5% of their income on rent, more than the 17.1% in Elgin.