Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Aurora is 58% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,535/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 79%
$90,109/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 40%
$260,400 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 300%
$1,591/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 66%
179,867
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,207/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $14,484/year.

Median household income is $36,360/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Aurora or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Cambridge?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,207/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Cambridge?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $36,360/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Massachusetts?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Cambridge

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland