Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Elk Grove, CA (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Aurora is 68% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,535/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 42%
$90,109/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 36%
$260,400 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 132%
$1,591/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 40%
179,867
Population
177,221

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $645/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $7,740/year.

Median household income is $32,120/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Aurora or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $645/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $32,120/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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