Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Tampa is 13% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,567/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↓ 2%
$71,302/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 26%
$375,300 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 31%
$1,553/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 2%
393,389
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $18,807/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Tampa residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Aurora — common questions

Is Tampa or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Aurora?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Aurora?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $18,807/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

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