Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Washington is 71% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,900/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↓ 19%
$106,287/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↓ 15%
$724,600 ↑ 178%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 64%
$2,103/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↓ 24%
672,079
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $365/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $4,380/year.

Median household income is $16,178/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Aurora — common questions

Is Washington or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Aurora?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $365/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Aurora?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $16,178/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Illinois?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Aurora

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