Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Scottsdale is 65% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,910/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↓ 20%
$107,372/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↓ 16%
$709,900 ↑ 173%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 63%
$1,824/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↓ 13%
242,169
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $375/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $4,500/year.

Median household income is $17,263/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Aurora — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Aurora?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $375/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Aurora?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $17,263/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Aurora details →

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