Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Salem, OR (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Aurora is 5% cheaper than Salem.

$1,535/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 14%
$90,109/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 20%
$260,400 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 47%
$1,591/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 9%
179,867
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.25%
Sales Tax
0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $212/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $2,544/year.

Median household income is $18,209/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Salem — common questions

Is Aurora or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Salem?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $212/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Salem?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $18,209/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Oregon?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Salem details →