Median rent is 30% lower in Elgin ($1,260/mo vs $1,812/mo). Buying is cheaper in Elgin, where the median home runs $252,400 versus $542,100. Households earn more in Riverside ($88,575 vs $88,316 a year). Taken together, Elgin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 105.7 against 106.7 — about 1% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
Elgin is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 105.7 in Elgin vs 106.7 in Riverside (US average = 100)
City A
Elgin, IL
City B
Riverside, CA
How much would you need to earn in Riverside, CA to maintain your standard of living from Elgin, IL?
Equivalent salary in Riverside, CA
$75,704
You'd need $704 more (1% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Elgin
Illinois
Riverside
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Elgin — median rent of $1,260/mo versus $1,812/mo in Riverside, a 30% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Riverside: the median home is $542,100 versus $252,400 in Elgin — 53% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 13.30% in California, so Elgin is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 7.25% in California; Elgin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Elgin
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Riverside
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Riverside (avg AQI 67.0) but not yet for Elgin.
Pick Elgin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,260/mo median).
Pick Elgin if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Elgin cheaper than Riverside?
Elgin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 105.7 versus 106.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Elgin.
How much is rent in Elgin vs Riverside?
Median rent is $1,260/mo in Elgin, IL and $1,812/mo in Riverside, CA. Elgin, IL has the lower rent by about 30%.
Which has higher salaries — Elgin or Riverside?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin, IL and $88,575 in Riverside, CA. Riverside, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Elgin or Riverside?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and California's is 13.30%. Elgin, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Riverside to match my Elgin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Elgin, IL is equivalent to roughly $100,938 in Riverside, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology