Elgin, IL vs Evanston, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Elgin is 24.8% cheaper than Evanston. With a cost index of 95 vs 126, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Elgin to Evanston should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month compared to $1,698/month in Evanston — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elgin is more affordable at $252,400 median vs $472,300.

Median household income in Elgin is $88,316 compared to $95,766 in Evanston (-7.8%). Evanston does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Elgin spend roughly 17.1% of their income on rent, less than the 21.3% in Evanston.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.7°F vs 50.8°F). Elgin receives more rainfall at 33.2" per year compared to 32.3" in Evanston.