Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Providence and Aurora have a similar cost of living.

$1,333/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 15%
$66,772/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 35%
$322,800 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 19%
$1,467/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 8%
190,214
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $23,337/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Aurora — common questions

Is Providence or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Aurora?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Aurora?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $23,337/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Illinois?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Aurora details →

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