Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Boise is 12% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,359/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 13%
$81,308/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 11%
$456,000 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 43%
$1,337/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 19%
235,701
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $176/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $2,112/year.

Median household income is $8,801/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Aurora — common questions

Is Boise or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Aurora?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $176/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Aurora?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $8,801/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Illinois?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

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