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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Glendale is 114% more expensive than Aurora.

$2,095/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↓ 27%
$84,262/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 7%
$1,043,900 ↑ 301%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 75%
$2,212/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↓ 28%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $560/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $6,720/year.

Median household income is $5,847/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora 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 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Aurora?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $560/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Aurora?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $5,847/year higher in Aurora.
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 Glendale or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Aurora

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