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

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Aurora is 49% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,535/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 38%
$90,109/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 16%
$260,400 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 230%
$1,591/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 41%
179,867
Population
141,278

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $589/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $7,068/year.

Median household income is $14,110/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Aurora or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Fullerton?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $589/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Fullerton?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $14,110/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Fullerton

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren