Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Arlington is 103% more expensive than Aurora.

$2,275/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↓ 33%
$140,160/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↓ 36%
$864,800 ↑ 232%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 70%
$2,414/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↓ 34%
235,463
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $740/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $8,880/year.

Median household income is $50,051/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Aurora — common questions

Is Arlington or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Aurora?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $740/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Aurora?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $50,051/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Aurora details →

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