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

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Aurora is 43% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,535/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 28%
$90,109/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$90,166/yr ≈ Same
$260,400 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 194%
$1,591/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 27%
179,867
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $436/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $5,232/year.

Median household income is $57/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Aurora or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $436/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $57/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Garden Grove

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins