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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Los Angeles is 87% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,879/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↓ 18%
$80,366/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 12%
$879,500 ↑ 238%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 70%
$2,055/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↓ 23%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $344/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $4,128/year.

Median household income is $9,743/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Aurora — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Aurora?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $344/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Aurora?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $9,743/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 Los Angeles or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Aurora

Los Angeles vs. New York Los Angeles vs. Chicago Los Angeles vs. Allen Los Angeles vs. Houston Los Angeles vs. Tuscaloosa Los Angeles vs. Phoenix Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove