C
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
14%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Aurora Illinois National
Cost of living10596100
Goods & Services10697100
Groceries9798100
Health care9895100
Housing11495100
Transportation114103100
Utilities8089100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Aurora, IL

Understanding the cost of living in Aurora can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Aurora cost of living index is 105, which is 5% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in Aurora is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Aurora Affordable?

Is Aurora affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Aurora, the median home price is 5.1% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 34.2% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Aurora boasting a median household income of $74,659, 35% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Aurora?

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Aurora, the groceries index is 2.7% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Aurora, the transportation index is 13.6% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Aurora displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Aurora is 9% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Aurora is 5% higher than the national average
  • Aurora housing is 14% higher than the national average
  • Illinois general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Illinois state income tax is 119% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Aurora

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Compare Aurora, IL Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$90,629$7,552$2,115$2,719
      Renters$50,791$4,233$1,185$1,524
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Aurora, IL, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Aurora have a median income of $90,629. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,115 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $50,791, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,185.

      Illinois Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Illinois 6.25% 10.25%

      Illinois Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Illinois 4.95% 4.95%

      Goods & Services

      Item Aurora National avg. Difference
      Haircut $19.72$24.2618.7%
      Beauty Salon $37.22$45.5618.3%
      Toothpaste $3.72$3.700.6%
      Shampoo $1.32$1.283.3%
      Movie $9.99$12.1317.7%
      Bowling $16.00$18.0011.1%

      Groceries

      Item Aurora National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.94$5.841.8%
      Fried Chicken $1.39$1.5711.8%
      Milk $4.55$4.672.5%
      Potatoes $5.08$4.933.0%
      Pizza $10.69$12.0911.6%
      Beer $9.61$10.417.7%

      Health Care

      Item Aurora National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $86.67$125.6831.0%
      Doctor $110.00$135.7819.0%
      Dentist $82.00$113.2927.6%
      Ibuprofen $10.17$10.654.5%
      Lipitor $511.00$468.609.0%

      Housing

      Item Aurora National avg. Difference
      Home Price $194,100.00$184,700.005.1%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,316.57$2,346.6943.9%
      Apartment Rent $1,274.00$949.0034.2%

      Transportation

      Item Aurora National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.52$3.461.7%
      Tire Balancing $45.00$59.9224.9%

      Utilities

      Item Aurora National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $156.87$193.9919.1%
      Phone $198.03$192.253.0%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fairmont, IL2,690954.6%
      Crest Hill, IL20,3881021.9%
      Plano, IL11,0581033.3%
      Crystal Lawns, IL1,9431054.7%
      Boulder Hill, IL9,0811065.5%
      Aurora, IL199,3261055.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Glendale, CA199,35719190.5%
      Grand Rapids, MI199,417927.7%
      Amarillo, TX199,2258910.9%
      Montgomery, AL199,0548812.2%
      Huntington Beach, CA199,77818787.4%
      Aurora, IL199,3261055.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.