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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Tucson is 24% cheaper than Aurora.

$1,079/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 42%
$54,546/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 65%
$242,200 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$260,400 ↑ 8%
$1,076/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 48%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $456/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $5,472/year.

Median household income is $35,563/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Aurora — common questions

Is Tucson or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Aurora?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $456/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Aurora?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $35,563/year higher in Aurora.
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 Tucson or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Aurora details →

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