Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Aurora is 42% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,535/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 44%
$90,109/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 19%
$260,400 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 136%
$1,591/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 48%
179,867
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $672/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $8,064/year.

Median household income is $17,365/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Stamford — common questions

Is Aurora or Stamford 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 Stamford?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $672/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Stamford?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $17,365/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Connecticut?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Stamford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Stamford

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Stamford vs. Elizabeth Stamford vs. Kent Stamford vs. Victorville Stamford vs. Midland Stamford vs. Miramar Stamford vs. Coral Springs