Aurora, IL vs. Bolingbrook, IL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Aurora vs Bolingbrook. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Aurora vs Bolingbrook in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is one of the biggest factors in the cost of living difference between Aurora and Bolingbrook. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare:
| Housing Type | Aurora | Bolingbrook |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,600 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $325,000 | $360,000 |
🏆 Winner: Aurora has lower housing costs across the board, with rents about 10% cheaper and home prices around 12% less expensive than Bolingbrook.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $150-200 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash service for a typical household. Costs may be 10-20% higher in the peak of summer and winter due to heating and cooling needs.
🏆 Winner: It’s a tie – utility costs are comparable in Aurora and Bolingbrook. Take advantage of off-peak usage plans from ComEd and Nicor Gas to save.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices and everyday costs like dining out, entertainment, and common goods are nearly identical in Aurora and Bolingbrook. Budget around $400-500 per month for groceries for a family of four, plus $50-100 per person for miscellaneous daily expenses.
🏆 Winner: Another tie. Prices at local supermarkets and retailers are very similar between the two cities.
4. Taxes and Fees
Aurora has a slightly lower property tax rate of 2.3% compared to Bolingbrook’s 2.5%. For a $350,000 home, that’s a difference of about $700 per year. In Aurora, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, while Bolingbrook tends to have lower HOA dues but residents pay separately for those services.
🏆 Winner: Aurora edges out a win here thanks to its lower property tax rate. But factor in the full cost of housing, HOA fees, and services for your specific situation.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Aurora | Bolingbrook |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR home) | $2,350 | $2,600 |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 |
| Groceries | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $200 | $200 |
| Taxes | $625 | $750 |
| Miscellaneous | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,105 | $4,480 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While the cost of living is moderately lower in Aurora, Bolingbrook offers its own advantages. Bolingbrook has more public transportation options, while Aurora provides a bit more space and slightly shorter commutes to Chicago. Both are family-friendly with great schools, parks, and amenities.
Aurora averages 2°F colder in January than Bolingbrook.
Bolingbrook’s crime rate is 20% lower than Aurora’s.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Aurora more affordable than Bolingbrook?
Yes, Aurora has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing. However, many other expenses are similar between the two cities.
- Which city has lower rent?
Rent prices are about 10% lower on average in Aurora compared to Bolingbrook for similar-sized apartments.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Aurora’s median home prices are roughly 12% less than Bolingbrook’s, and property taxes are slightly lower too. Use this [Monthly Budget Examples for Aurora Residents](/aurora-il/monthly-budget/) guide to estimate your total costs.
8. Conclusion
While Aurora offers a lower cost of living overall, especially for housing, Bolingbrook remains an attractive option with great amenities and transportation. Budget-conscious households, retirees, and remote workers may prefer Aurora, while commuters and those prioritizing certain lifestyles lean toward Bolingbrook.
Ultimately, both cities provide a high quality of life for various income levels. For a more in-depth look at expenses in Aurora, check out our [Cost of Living in Aurora (2025 Guide)](/aurora-il/cost-overview/).