Elgin vs Raleigh
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Elgin
Raleigh
💡 The Verdict
Elgin is 15% cheaper than Raleigh overall. A $75,000 salary in Elgin is equivalent to $87,931 in Raleigh.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Elgin (left) vs Raleigh (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Elgin versus Raleigh. Differences shown from Elgin perspective.
| Item | Elgin | Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $740/mo | $1,010/mo | $-270.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,020/mo | $1,500/mo | $-480.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $1,390/mo | $1,950/mo | $-560.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.43 | $2.89 | $-0.46 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.50 | $3.88 | $-0.38 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $2.50 | $3.31 | $-0.81 |
| Coffee (latte) | $5.71 | $5.93 | $-0.22 |
| Gas (gallon) | $2.92 | $3.37 | $-0.45 |
| Restaurant Meal | $12.78 | $18.36 | $-5.58 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Elgin has the same purchasing power as $87,931 in Raleigh.
Conversely, $75,000 in Raleigh equals $63,971 in Elgin.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $225 difference is driven by Illinois having a higher state income tax rate. Illinois details → · North Carolina details →
Reading These Numbers: Elgin (87) vs Raleigh (102)
Elgin at 87 is 13% below the US average, while Raleigh at 102 is 2% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Elgin, the composite index of 87 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 70, followed by groceries (86), utilities (90), transportation (82), and healthcare (88). Costs are fairly balanced across categories.
For renters: With median rents of $1,020/mo in Elgin and $1,500/mo in Raleigh, the annual rent difference is approximately $5,760.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $28,800.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $149,000.0 difference in median home prices between Elgin and Raleigh translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Elgin vs Raleigh
Choosing between Elgin and Raleigh involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Elgin and Raleigh can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.