Aurora, IL vs Waukegan, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waukegan is 21.1% cheaper than Aurora. With a cost index of 86 vs 104, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waukegan 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 $1,163/month in Waukegan — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waukegan is more affordable at $177,600 median vs $260,400.

Median household income in Aurora is $90,109 compared to $70,578 in Waukegan (+27.7%). 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 19.8% in Waukegan.