Elgin, IL vs Oak Park, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Elgin is 19.3% cheaper than Oak Park. With a cost index of 95 vs 117, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Elgin to Oak Park should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month compared to $1,456/month in Oak Park — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elgin is more affordable at $252,400 median vs $456,300.

Median household income in Elgin is $88,316 compared to $108,026 in Oak Park (-18.2%). The higher salaries in Oak Park partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Elgin spend roughly 17.1% of their income on rent, more than the 16.2% in Oak Park.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.7°F vs 52.1°F). Oak Park receives more rainfall at 34.4" per year compared to 33.2" in Elgin.