Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Salt Lake City is 17% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,343/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 14%
$74,925/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 20%
$495,700 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 47%
$1,394/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 14%
203,888
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $192/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $2,304/year.

Median household income is $15,184/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Aurora — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Aurora?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $192/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Aurora?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $15,184/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Illinois?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Aurora details →

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