Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Aurora is 10% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,535/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 3%
$90,109/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 25%
$260,400 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 5%
$1,591/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 24%
179,867
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $22,588/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Aurora or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $22,588/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Palm Bay

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Palm Bay vs. Allentown Palm Bay vs. Meridian Palm Bay vs. Thousand Oaks Palm Bay vs. Vallejo Palm Bay vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Round Rock