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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Bakersfield is 4% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,371/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 12%
$77,397/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 16%
$347,300 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 25%
$1,540/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 3%
408,366
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $12,712/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Aurora — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Aurora?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Aurora?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $12,712/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,535/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Aurora details →

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