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

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Aurora is 23% more expensive than Gainesville.

$1,535/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↓ 21%
$90,109/yr ↑ 98%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 49%
$260,400 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 10%
$1,591/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 27%
179,867
Population
143,611

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
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $321/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $3,852/year.

Median household income is $44,498/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Aurora or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Gainesville?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $321/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Gainesville?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $44,498/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 Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Gainesville

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia