City Comparison · 2026
Aurora vs Chicago
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Aurora = $128k in Chicago
Metric
Aurora
Chicago
COL Index
✓1.08
1.38
1BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,400/mo
$2,000/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,750/mo
$2,600/mo
State Income Tax
CO
IL
$100k Take-Home
✓$74,336
$73,786
$100k Effective Rate
✓25.66%
26.21%
$100k Savings Potential
✓$57,536
$49,786
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Aurora CO | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $47,608 $3,967/mo · 20.65% eff. | $47,278 $3,940/mo · 21.2% eff. |
| $100,000 | $74,336 $6,195/mo · 25.66% eff. | $73,786 $6,149/mo · 26.21% eff. |
| $150,000 | $106,678 $8,890/mo · 28.88% eff. | $105,853 $8,821/mo · 29.43% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurora or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Aurora has a cost-of-living index of 1.08 while Chicago is 1.38 (1.00 = US average). Aurora is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Aurora is $1,400/month vs $2,000/month in Chicago.
How much more do you need to earn in Chicago vs Aurora?
$100k in Aurora = $128k in Chicago. Cost of living in Chicago is higher by 27.8%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Aurora or Chicago?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $74,336 in CO (Aurora) and $73,786 in IL (Chicago). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $57,536 in Aurora vs $49,786 in Chicago.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideAurora vs New York City cost of livingAurora vs Los Angeles cost of livingAurora vs Chicago cost of livingCost of living in AuroraCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesSoftware Engineer salary in AuroraRegistered Nurse salary in AuroraWhere does $100k rank nationally?