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

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Aurora is 55% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,535/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 44%
$90,109/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 15%
$260,400 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 301%
$1,591/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 47%
179,867
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $683/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $8,196/year.

Median household income is $13,669/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Aurora or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Pasadena?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $683/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Pasadena?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $13,669/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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