Elgin, IL vs Lombard, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Elgin is 19.6% cheaper than Lombard. With a cost index of 95 vs 118, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Elgin to Lombard should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month compared to $1,834/month in Lombard — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elgin is more affordable at $252,400 median vs $321,200.

Median household income in Elgin is $88,316 compared to $97,253 in Lombard (-9.2%). Lombard 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 22.6% in Lombard.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.7°F vs 51.3°F). Lombard receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 33.2" in Elgin.