Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Fort Lauderdale is 32% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,776/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↓ 14%
$79,935/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 13%
$455,600 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 43%
$1,778/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↓ 11%
183,032
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $241/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $2,892/year.

Median household income is $10,174/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Aurora — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Aurora?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $241/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Aurora?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $10,174/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/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.
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