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

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Aurora is 50% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,535/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 64%
$90,109/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 31%
$260,400 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 189%
$1,591/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 62%
179,867
Population
125,769

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 Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $978/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $11,736/year.

Median household income is $27,594/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Aurora or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $978/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $27,594/year higher in Simi Valley.
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 Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,513/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Simi Valley details →

More Comparisons

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Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Simi Valley vs. Pearland Simi Valley vs. Thousand Oaks Simi Valley vs. Topeka Simi Valley vs. Allentown Simi Valley vs. Athens Simi Valley vs. Palm Bay