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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Glendale and Aurora have a similar cost of living.

$1,397/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 10%
$70,139/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 28%
$347,000 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 25%
$1,356/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 17%
250,193
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $19,970/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Aurora — common questions

Is Glendale or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Aurora?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Aurora?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $19,970/year higher in Aurora.
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 Glendale or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View Aurora details →

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