Santa Ana, CA vs Aurora, IL: 163 vs 100

$1,975/mo ↑ 29%

Median Rent

$1,535/mo ↓ 22%

$88,354/yr ↓ 2%

Median Income

$90,109/yr ↑ 2%

$657,800 ↑ 153%

Home Value

$260,400 ↓ 60%

$1,965/mo ↑ 24%

Owner Costs

$1,591/mo ↓ 19%

311,639

Population

179,867

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $440/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $5,280/year.

Median household income is $1,755/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Aurora — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Aurora cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Aurora?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $440/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Aurora?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $1,755/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 Santa Ana or Aurora?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Aurora

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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