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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Fontana is 46% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,733/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↓ 11%
$98,187/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↓ 8%
$558,500 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 53%
$1,990/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↓ 20%
211,921
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

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $198/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $2,376/year.

Median household income is $8,078/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Aurora — common questions

Is Fontana or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Aurora?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $198/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Aurora?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $8,078/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Aurora

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove