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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

San Bernardino is 9% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,433/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 7%
$63,988/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 41%
$384,900 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 32%
$1,478/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 8%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $102/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $1,224/year.

Median household income is $26,121/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Aurora — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Aurora?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $102/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Aurora?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $26,121/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 San Bernardino or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Aurora details →

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