| Index | Aurora | Illinois | National |
| Cost of living | 105 | 98 | 100 |
| Groceries | 97 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 115 | 95 | 100 |
| Transportation | 104 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 102 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 102 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 102 | 100 | 100 |
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Aurora? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Aurora stands at 105, making it 5% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.
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, household expenses 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.
Wondering if Aurora is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Aurora, for example, the median home price is 6.9% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 34.3% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Aurora boasting a median household income of $109,454, which is 34.6% higher than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Aurora, healthcare costs are 1.2% lower than the national average.
Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable 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 2.6% lower than the national average.
The cost of living data for Aurora shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $136,641 | $11,387 | $3,188 | $4,100 |
| Renters | $76,954 | $6,413 | $1,795 | $2,309 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Illinois | 6.25% | 10.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Illinois | 4.95% | 4.95% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Fairmont, IL | 2,777 | 94 | 6.0% |
| Crest Hill, IL | 20,983 | 101 | 0.7% |
| Plano, IL | 11,422 | 102 | 2.2% |
| Crystal Lawns, IL | 1,983 | 104 | 4.1% |
| Boulder Hill, IL | 9,282 | 104 | 4.4% |
| Aurora, IL | 206,020 | 105 | 5.0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Sunrise Manor, NV | 205,701 | 104 | 3.7% |
| Amarillo, TX | 205,514 | 93 | 6.6% |
| Yonkers, NY | 204,945 | 142 | 41.6% |
| Huntsville, AL | 207,126 | 97 | 3.5% |
| Huntington Beach, CA | 204,313 | 195 | 95.1% |
| Aurora, IL | 206,020 | 105 | 5.0% |
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