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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Long Beach is 69% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,803/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↓ 15%
$83,969/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 7%
$762,200 ↑ 193%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 66%
$1,890/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↓ 16%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $6,140/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Aurora — common questions

Is Long Beach or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Aurora?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Aurora?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $6,140/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 Long Beach or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Aurora details →

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