Evanston, IL vs. Aurora, IL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Evanston vs Aurora. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Evanston vs Aurora in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare between Evanston and Aurora:
| Housing Type | Evanston | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $2,100 | $1,600 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $550,000 | $350,000 |
🏆 Winner: Aurora. Housing costs are significantly lower in Aurora compared to Evanston, with a typical family able to save hundreds per month on rent or mortgage payments.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another important consideration. In Evanston, expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2BR apartment. Costs may be 10-20% higher in winter months.
Aurora utility costs are similar, averaging $160 per month, with less seasonal fluctuation. Both cities offer optional renewable energy programs for a small premium.
🏆 Winner: Aurora has a slight edge on utility costs, but the difference is minimal. Your usage habits will likely matter more than location.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Feeding a family is a major part of any monthly budget in Evanston. Expect to spend around $500 per month on groceries for a couple, or $800+ for a family of four. Dining out will add $30-50 per meal on average.
In Aurora, grocery costs are about 5% lower across the board, with more discount supermarket options. Restaurant prices are similar, with a wider range of affordable casual eateries.
🏆 Winner: Aurora, but only by a small margin. Savvy shoppers can find deals in both cities.
Taxes and Fees
Evanston’s property tax rate is 2.1%, slightly higher than Aurora’s 1.9%. For a $400K home, that’s a difference of about $800 per year.
In Evanston, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, adding $200-400 per month. Aurora has fewer HOAs and lower fees overall.
🏆 Winner: Aurora. The lower tax rate and fees can add up to meaningful savings for homeowners.
Cost Summary
| Category | Evanston | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR House) | $3,500 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $220 | $200 |
| Groceries | $800 | $760 |
| Transportation | $300 | $250 |
| Taxes | $1,100 | $600 |
| Misc | $500 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total (pre-tax) | $6,420 | $4,460 |
Lifestyle Fit
While Aurora offers lower living costs overall, Evanston has its perks. It’s more walkable, closer to Chicago for commuters, and has a vibrant downtown with shops and restaurants. However, homes are smaller and lots are narrower.
Aurora provides more square footage and yard space for the money, with a quieter suburban feel. It’s a great pick for families craving room to spread out. However, commutes to the city are longer.
Evanston averages 3°F cooler than Aurora in summer, thanks to the moderating effect of Lake Michigan. Both get their share of harsh winters!
FAQ
- Is Evanston more affordable than Aurora? No, Aurora has a lower cost of living across most categories, especially housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Aurora. A typical 2BR apartment rents for about $500 less per month compared to Evanston.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Aurora. The median home price is roughly $200K lower than in Evanston.
Conclusion
Aurora offers a lower overall cost of living, making it ideal for budget-conscious families or those who prioritize having more space. Meanwhile, Evanston’s higher costs come with perks like lake access, walkability, and a shorter commute to Chicago.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your lifestyle and priorities. We recommend checking out our other cost of living guides for Evanston and Aurora to dive deeper into the details.