Aurora, IL vs Santa Clara, CA: 100 vs 307

$1,535/mo ↓ 49%

Median Rent

$2,985/mo ↑ 94%

$90,109/yr ↓ 48%

Median Income

$173,670/yr ↑ 93%

$260,400 ↓ 83%

Home Value

$1,527,900 ↑ 487%

$1,591/mo ↓ 48%

Owner Costs

$3,051/mo ↑ 92%

179,867

Population

129,239

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,450/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $17,400/year.

Median household income is $83,561/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Aurora or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 307 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Aurora and Santa Clara?

Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,450/month.

Which city has higher income, Aurora or Santa Clara?

Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $83,561/year higher in Santa Clara.

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 Santa Clara?

It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Aurora

Santa Clara

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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