Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Aurora is 60% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,535/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 63%
$90,109/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 79%
$260,400 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 362%
$1,591/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 63%
179,867
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $970/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $11,640/year.

Median household income is $71,191/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Aurora or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Bellevue?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $970/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Bellevue?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $71,191/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Washington?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Bellevue

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet