Is Aurora, IL cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Aurora, IL is 6.8% cheaper than Chicago, IL. This translates to saving $512 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $143,850.679 in Aurora, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chicago, IL and Aurora, IL?

Housing in Aurora, IL is 16.1% cheaper than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,338/month in Aurora, IL compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

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

Moving from Chicago, IL to Aurora, IL could save you approximately $512 per month, or $6149 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chicago, IL vs Aurora, IL: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $512/month moving to Aurora, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.9K in Aurora, IL

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$512

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.1K

Per year

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

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$305K

Aurora, IL

Population:178K

Cost Index:

(7% below avg)

Median Home:$298K

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

Aurora, IL

The Prairie State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chicago, IL vs Aurora, IL

Category	Chicago, IL	Aurora, IL	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,066/mo	$2,571/mo	↓ $495less	16.1%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,638/mo	↓ $120less	6.8%
Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,565/mo	↓ $115less	6.8%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$993/mo	↓ $35.78less	3.5%
Healthcare	$595/mo	$574/mo	↓ $20.68less	3.5%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$501/mo	↓ $18.05less	3.5%

Housing

↓ 16.1%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Aurora, IL

$2,571

Difference

$495

less

Other

↓ 6.8%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Aurora, IL

$1,638

Difference

$120

less

Transportation

↓ 6.8%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Aurora, IL

$1,565

Difference

$115

less

Groceries

↓ 3.5%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Aurora, IL

$993

Difference

$35.78

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.5%

Chicago, IL

$595

Aurora, IL

$574

Difference

$20.68

less

All Utilities

↓ 3.5%

Chicago, IL

$519

Aurora, IL

$501

Difference

$18.05

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,109

↓ $491

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,188

↓ $522

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$1,338

↓ $587

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$1,726

↓ $754

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

Aurora, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,430–$2,140/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.

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$7,843

Monthly in Aurora, IL

$805

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Aurora

$305K

Median Value

$298K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↑ +3.5%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +43.2%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$236K - $339K

Homes in Aurora are 3% less expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago Calculate payment - Aurora

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Chicago, 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

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

Additional Tax Information

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Aurora, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

💡 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.