Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Aurora, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 2.5% more expensive than Aurora, IL. This translates to spending an extra $185 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Aurora, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Aurora, IL, you'd need approximately $152,221.555 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Aurora, IL and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 8.4% more expensive than in Aurora, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,338/month in Aurora, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Aurora, IL to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $185 more per month than Aurora, IL, or $2222 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Aurora, IL vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Aurora, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Aurora, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $185/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.2K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$185

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Aurora, IL

Population:178K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$298K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$414K

Aurora, IL

The Prairie State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 178K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Aurora, IL vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Aurora, IL	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,571/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $217more	8.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,565/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $76.44less	4.9%
⚡All Utilities	$501/mo	$561/mo	↑ $60.12more	12.0%
📦Other	$1,638/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $39.74more	2.4%
🛒Groceries	$993/mo	$963/mo	↓ $30.17less	3.0%
🏥Healthcare	$574/mo	$589/mo	↑ $14.48more	2.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 8.4%

Aurora, IL

$2,571

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$217

🚗Transportation

↓ 4.9%

Aurora, IL

$1,565

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$76.44

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.0%

Aurora, IL

$501

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$60.12

📦Other

↑ 2.4%

Aurora, IL

$1,638

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$39.74

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.0%

Aurora, IL

$993

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$30.17

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.5%

Aurora, IL

$574

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$14.48

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,109

To$1,390

↑ $281

1 Bed

From$1,188

To$1,510

↑ $322

2 Bed

From$1,338

To$1,750

↑ $412

3 Bed

From$1,726

To$2,330

↑ $604

Aurora, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,430–$2,140/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,843

Monthly in Aurora, IL

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$225

Difference

Home Values

Aurora

Phoenix

$298K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +43.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$236K - $339K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 39% more expensive than Aurora

Calculate payment - Aurora Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$183

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

Aurora, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Aurora, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.