City Comparison
Elgin vs Schaumburg
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Schaumburg scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Elgin
Schaumburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elgin is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
7% lower than in Schaumburg.
Housing costs are a major driver: Elgin's average rent is
11% lower than Schaumburg's.
| Metric | Elgin | Schaumburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $1,850 | -11% |
| Groceries | $420 | $420 | 0% |
| Utilities | $170 | $175 | -3% |
| Transport | $130 | $130 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $240 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,610 | $2,815 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Schaumburg offers 8% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Elgin delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Elgin is estimated at
$58,000 vs $62,000 in Schaumburg.
| Metric | Elgin | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $62,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 75,000 idx | 69,643 idx |
| Household Income | $84,500 | $91,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.3°F of each other.
| Metric | Elgin | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.50°F | 50.80°F |
| Summer High | 82.20°F | 82.30°F |
| Winter Low | 16.40°F | 17.20°F |
| Rainfall | 32.30 in | 34.40 in |
| Snowfall | 27.00 in | 27.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 257 | 255 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Schaumburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Elgin.
Schaumburg scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Elgin | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 31 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 48.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 44.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elgin is the larger city
— approximately 1.4x the population of Schaumburg.
From a growth perspective, Elgin is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Schaumburg has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Elgin | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,500 | 78,723 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.40% |
| Median Age | 35.5 | 39.5 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 4.00% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Elgin
Advantages
Median home prices and rental rates remain noticeably more affordable than Chicago proper per Zillow 2025 data.
Direct commuter rail service via the Metra Union Pacific West line connects residents straight to downtown Chicago.
Extensive outdoor recreation opportunities including the scenic Fox River Trail and over 50 municipal parks.
A culturally diverse population supporting a vibrant culinary scene and regular community festivals.
A growing economy anchored by robust healthcare, manufacturing, and education sectors per Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Drawbacks
Illinois property taxes are among the highest in the nation, impacting overall homeowner costs per tax assessors.
Winters are cold and demanding, with the city receiving around 27 inches of annual snowfall per climate records.
Moderate walkability and transit scores outside the immediate downtown core require heavy car dependency.
Traffic congestion during peak hours along the Interstate 90 corridor can lengthen daily commutes.
Pockets of the city experience higher local crime indices, requiring careful neighborhood selection.
Schaumburg
Advantages
Home to Woodfield Mall, one of the largest shopping destinations in the United States, offering extensive retail and dining options.
Consistently low crime rates and proactive local policing make it one of the safest communities in the region.
Exceptional park district maintaining over 70 parks, community centers, and recreational facilities for residents.
Strong corporate employment base with major headquarters located directly within the municipal boundaries.
Convenient access to Interstate 90 provides efficient commuting routes to downtown Chicago and O'Hare International Airport.
Drawbacks
Cook County property taxes are among the highest in the nation, putting a heavy financial burden on homeowners.
High level of car dependency outside of core commercial zones, leading to heavy traffic congestion around major retail hubs.
Overall cost of living sits noticeably above the national average, driven primarily by housing and local tax structures.
Winters can be harsh and prolonged, bringing heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures that limit outdoor activities.
Lack of a rapid transit rail station directly within the village center requires reliance on buses or driving to reach Metra stations.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Elgin
#242Illinois, USA
62.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$72,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
257/yr
Avg Temp
50.50°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
74
Business
70
Schaumburg
#237Illinois, USA
62.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,850
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
112
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
255/yr
Avg Temp
50.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
4.00%
Livability
82
Business
81
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