Aurora, IL vs Champaign, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Champaign is 27.2% cheaper than Aurora. With a cost index of 82 vs 104, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Champaign to Aurora should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month compared to $1,103/month in Champaign — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Champaign is more affordable at $199,700 median vs $260,400.

Median household income in Aurora is $90,109 compared to $57,544 in Champaign (+56.6%). While Aurora is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Aurora spend roughly 20.4% of their income on rent, less than the 23% in Champaign.