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

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Aurora is 27% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,535/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 27%
$90,109/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 43%
$260,400 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 14%
$1,591/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 20%
179,867
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $421/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $5,052/year.

Median household income is $38,770/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

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 79 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 $1,114/month — a difference of $421/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Springfield?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $38,770/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Massachusetts?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% 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 79 with rent of $1,114/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. Kansas City Springfield vs. Sunnyvale Springfield vs. Killeen Springfield vs. Hollywood Springfield vs. Lakewood Springfield vs. Roseville