Des Plaines, IL vs Elgin, IL

Elgin is moderately more affordable than Des Plaines, with a 11.3% lower cost of living index. Des Plaines scores 105 compared to 95 for Elgin, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Des Plaines can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Des Plaines is $1,435/month compared to $1,260/month in Elgin — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elgin is more affordable at $252,400 median vs $318,200.

Median household income in Des Plaines is $94,303 compared to $88,316 in Elgin (+6.8%). The higher salaries in Des Plaines partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Des Plaines spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, more than the 17.1% in Elgin.