Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Anaheim is 82% more expensive than Aurora.

$2,082/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↓ 26%
$90,583/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$90,109/yr ≈ Same
$771,700 ↑ 196%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 66%
$2,165/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↓ 27%
344,553
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $547/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $6,564/year.

Median household income is $474/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Aurora — common questions

Is Anaheim or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Aurora?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $547/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Aurora?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $474/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,535/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Aurora details →