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

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Ontario

California
152

Aurora is 52% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,535/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 25%
$90,109/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 8%
$260,400 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 118%
$1,591/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 24%
179,867
Population
178,347

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $381/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $4,572/year.

Median household income is $7,303/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Ontario — common questions

Is Aurora or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Ontario?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $381/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Ontario?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $7,303/year higher in Aurora.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Ontario details →