Elgin, IL vs Naperville, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Elgin is 29.2% cheaper than Naperville. With a cost index of 95 vs 134, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Elgin to Naperville should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month compared to $1,852/month in Naperville — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elgin is more affordable at $252,400 median vs $509,900.

Median household income in Elgin is $88,316 compared to $150,937 in Naperville (-41.5%). While Naperville is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Elgin spend roughly 17.1% of their income on rent, more than the 14.7% in Naperville.

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