Is Aurora, IL cheaper than Madison, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Aurora, IL is 4.1% cheaper than Madison, WI. This translates to saving $306 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Madison, WI, you'd need approximately $146,326.27 in Aurora, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Madison, WI and Aurora, IL?

Housing in Aurora, IL is 6.7% cheaper than in Madison, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,338/month in Aurora, IL compared to $1,835/month in Madison, WI.

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

Moving from Madison, WI to Aurora, IL could save you approximately $306 per month, or $3674 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Madison, WI 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 Madison, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $306/month moving to Aurora, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.3K in Aurora, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Madison, WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$306

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.7K

Per year

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

Madison, WI

Population:270K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$427K

Aurora, IL

Population:178K

Cost Index:

(4% below avg)

Median Home:$298K

Madison, WI

The Badger State

270K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 270K residents.

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: Madison, WI vs Aurora, IL

Category	Madison, WI	Aurora, IL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,755/mo	$2,571/mo	↓ $183less	6.7%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,565/mo	↑ $158more	11.3%
Other	$1,791/mo	$1,638/mo	↓ $154less	8.6%
Healthcare	$719/mo	$574/mo	↓ $145less	20.1%
Groceries	$959/mo	$993/mo	↑ $34.16more	3.6%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$501/mo	↓ $7.12less	1.4%

Housing

↓ 6.7%

Madison, WI

$2,755

Aurora, IL

$2,571

Difference

$183

less

Transportation

↑ 11.3%

Madison, WI

$1,407

Aurora, IL

$1,565

Difference

$158

Other

↓ 8.6%

Madison, WI

$1,791

Aurora, IL

$1,638

Difference

$154

less

Healthcare

↓ 20.1%

Madison, WI

$719

Aurora, IL

$574

Difference

$145

less

Groceries

↑ 3.6%

Madison, WI

$959

Aurora, IL

$993

Difference

$34.16

All Utilities

↓ 1.4%

Madison, WI

$508

Aurora, IL

$501

Difference

$7.12

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,370

To$1,109

↓ $261

1 Bed

From$1,605

To$1,188

↓ $417

2 Bed

From$1,835

To$1,338

↓ $497

3 Bed

From$2,425

To$1,726

↓ $699

Madison, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,360–$1,840/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.

$8,139

Monthly in Madison, WI

$7,843

Monthly in Aurora, IL

$296

Difference

Home Values

Madison

Aurora

$427K

Median Value

$298K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↑ +3.5%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +43.2%

$359K - $534K

Price Range

$236K - $339K

Homes in Aurora are 30% less expensive than Madison

Calculate payment - Madison Calculate payment - Aurora

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$119

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.9%

Rate difference

Madison, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

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

Madison, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.