Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Aurora is 64% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,535/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 38%
$90,109/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 27%
$260,400 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 40%
$1,591/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 39%
179,867
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $590/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $7,080/year.

Median household income is $24,572/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Springfield — common questions

Is Aurora or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Springfield?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $590/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Springfield?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $24,572/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Illinois?
Both cities are in Illinois and share the same state tax rates: 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Springfield

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces