Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Durham is 5% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,412/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 9%
$79,234/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 14%
$355,300 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 27%
$1,434/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 11%
288,465
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $10,875/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Aurora — common questions

Is Durham or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Aurora?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Aurora?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $10,875/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Aurora

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove