Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Aurora is 5% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,535/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ≈ Same
$90,109/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 28%
$260,400 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 25%
$1,591/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 11%
179,867
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $25,669/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Aurora or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Clearwater?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Clearwater?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $25,669/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Clearwater

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville