Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Aurora is 27% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,535/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 18%
$90,109/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 28%
$260,400 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 21%
$1,591/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 26%
179,867
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $271/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $3,252/year.

Median household income is $24,917/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Aurora or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Dearborn?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $271/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Dearborn?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $24,917/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Michigan?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Dearborn

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Dearborn vs. Sparks Dearborn vs. Riverview Dearborn vs. South Fulton Dearborn vs. Tyler Dearborn vs. Greeley Dearborn vs. Tuscaloosa