Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Aurora is 10% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,535/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 11%
$90,109/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 30%
$260,400 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 3%
$1,591/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 18%
179,867
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $171/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $2,052/year.

Median household income is $27,320/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Aurora or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and North Charleston?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $171/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or North Charleston?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $27,320/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and South Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and North Charleston

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands