Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Aurora is 32% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,535/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 21%
$90,109/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 68%
$260,400 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 96%
$1,591/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 36%
179,867
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $60,828/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Naperville — common questions

Is Aurora or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Naperville?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Naperville?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $60,828/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Illinois?
Both cities are in Illinois and share the same state tax rates: 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Naperville

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona