Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Gilbert is 48% more expensive than Aurora.

$2,028/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↓ 24%
$121,351/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↓ 26%
$518,600 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 50%
$1,908/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↓ 17%
271,118
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $493/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $5,916/year.

Median household income is $31,242/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Aurora — common questions

Is Gilbert or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Aurora?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $493/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Aurora?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $31,242/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Aurora

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove