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

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Augusta is 33% cheaper than Aurora.

$1,087/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 41%
$53,134/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 70%
$162,900 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$260,400 ↑ 60%
$1,053/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 51%
201,504
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $448/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $5,376/year.

Median household income is $36,975/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Aurora — common questions

Is Augusta or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Aurora?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $448/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Aurora?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $36,975/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 Augusta or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/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 Augusta details → View Aurora details →

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