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

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Pomona

California
143

Aurora is 30% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,535/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 13%
$90,109/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↓ 12%
$260,400 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 119%
$1,591/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 10%
179,867
Population
148,391

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $203/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $2,436/year.

Median household income is $11,240/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Pomona — common questions

Is Aurora or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Pomona?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $203/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Pomona?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $11,240/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 Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Pomona has a cost index of 143 with rent of $1,738/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Pomona details →

More Comparisons

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