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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Sacramento is 32% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,694/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↓ 9%
$83,753/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 8%
$484,600 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 46%
$1,752/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↓ 9%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $159/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $1,908/year.

Median household income is $6,356/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Aurora — common questions

Is Sacramento or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Aurora?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $159/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Aurora?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $6,356/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 Sacramento or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Aurora

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove