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

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Aurora is 72% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,535/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 36%
$90,109/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 8%
$260,400 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 163%
$1,591/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 34%
179,867
Population
177,216

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $549/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $6,588/year.

Median household income is $7,301/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Aurora or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $549/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $7,301/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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