Elgin, IL vs Urbana, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Urbana is 24.9% cheaper than Elgin. With a cost index of 76 vs 95, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Urbana to Elgin should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month compared to $951/month in Urbana — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Urbana is more affordable at $186,300 median vs $252,400.

Median household income in Elgin is $88,316 compared to $45,854 in Urbana (+92.6%). While Elgin 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, less than the 24.9% in Urbana.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.7°F vs 52.5°F). Urbana receives more rainfall at 37" per year compared to 33.2" in Elgin.