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

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Orange

California
206

Aurora is 51% cheaper than Orange.

$1,535/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 47%
$90,109/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 30%
$260,400 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 246%
$1,591/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 50%
179,867
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $717/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $8,604/year.

Median household income is $26,836/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Orange — common questions

Is Aurora or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Orange?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $717/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Orange?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $26,836/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Orange

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City