Aurora, CO vs Elgin, IL: 130 vs 90

$1,759/mo ↑ 40%

Median Rent

$1,260/mo ↓ 28%

$84,320/yr ↓ 5%

Median Income

$88,316/yr ↑ 5%

$444,500 ↑ 76%

Home Value

$252,400 ↓ 43%

$1,762/mo ↑ 17%

Owner Costs

$1,502/mo ↓ 15%

390,201

Population

114,106

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $499/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $5,988/year.

Median household income is $3,996/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Elgin — common questions

Is Aurora or Elgin cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 130 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Aurora and Elgin?

Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $499/month.

Which city has higher income, Aurora or Elgin?

Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $3,996/year higher in Elgin.

How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?

Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.

Should I move to Aurora or Elgin?

It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Aurora

Elgin

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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