Aurora, IL vs Peoria, IL

The cost of living difference between Aurora, IL and Peoria, IL is dramatic. Peoria is 43.7% cheaper than Aurora, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Aurora has a cost index of 104 while Peoria sits at 72, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month compared to $951/month in Peoria — a 61% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Peoria is more affordable at $149,500 median vs $260,400.

Median household income in Aurora is $90,109 compared to $58,716 in Peoria (+53.5%). 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, more than the 19.4% in Peoria.