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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Stockton is 15% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,495/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 3%
$76,851/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 17%
$412,900 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 37%
$1,555/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 2%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,258/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Aurora — common questions

Is Stockton or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Aurora?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Aurora?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $13,258/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 Stockton or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Aurora details →

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