Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Atlanta is 22% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,617/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↓ 5%
$81,938/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 10%
$420,600 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 38%
$1,695/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↓ 6%
499,287
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $8,171/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Aurora — common questions

Is Atlanta or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Aurora?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Aurora?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $8,171/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Illinois?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Aurora details →

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