Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Aurora is 69% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,535/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 35%
$90,109/yr ↑ 97%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 49%
$260,400 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 52%
$1,591/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 38%
179,867
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $537/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $6,444/year.

Median household income is $44,264/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Aurora or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Syracuse?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $537/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Syracuse?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $44,264/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New York?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Syracuse

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville