Elgin, IL vs. Aurora, IL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Elgin vs Aurora. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Elgin vs Aurora in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences between cities. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare in Elgin and Aurora:
| Housing Type | Elgin | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,550 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $325,000 | $340,000 |
🏆 Winner: Elgin
Housing costs tend to be slightly lower in Elgin compared to Aurora. A household moving from Aurora to Elgin might save around $100/month on rent for a comparable apartment, or $15,000 on the purchase price of a typical home.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another important factor in the cost of living. In Elgin and Aurora, expect to pay:
- Electricity: $120-150/month
- Natural gas: $50-80/month
- Water/sewer/trash: $60-90/month
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Both experience cold winters that drive up heating bills from November through March. Summers are warm but usually don’t require constant AC.
🏆 Winner: Tie
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
The cost of groceries, dining out, and everyday items is comparable in Elgin and Aurora. Expect to budget around $400-500 per person monthly for food and household goods.
Restaurant prices are reasonable in both cities, with plenty of affordable chain options mixed with local spots. A meal out for two averages $40-60 at a mid-range eatery.
🏆 Winner: Tie
4. Taxes and Fees
Illinois has relatively high taxes overall. Key tax rates to compare:
- Sales tax: 8.5% in Elgin, 8.25% in Aurora
- Average property tax: 2.8% in Elgin, 2.6% in Aurora
In Elgin, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, ranging from $200-400/month. Aurora HOAs are similar at $180-350/month.
🏆 Winner: Aurora
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Elgin | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR home) | $2,200 | $2,300 |
| Utilities | $250 | $250 |
| Groceries (2 people) | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $200 | $180 |
| Taxes (property) | $750 | $700 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,300 | $4,330 |
Based on these estimates, the overall cost of living is very similar between Elgin and Aurora. A typical household might spend around $4,300 per month in Elgin compared to $4,330 in Aurora (pre-tax). Of course, your actual budget will depend on your unique lifestyle and spending habits.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While costs are comparable, each city has its own vibe. Some key differences:
- Elgin has a charming downtown with historic architecture. It feels a bit slower-paced.
- Aurora is larger and more spread out. It has more shopping, dining and entertainment options.
- Aurora has more public transportation, with easy Metra access to Chicago.
- Elgin gets about 2″ more snow annually than Aurora.
Ultimately, both are welcoming, family-friendly cities. Your ideal fit depends on your commute, hobbies, and community preferences.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Elgin more affordable than Aurora?
A: Elgin is very slightly cheaper overall, mainly due to lower housing costs. However, the difference in total cost of living is minor, under $50/month for a typical household.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Elgin has somewhat lower rent, with median prices around $100/month less than Aurora for a comparable apartment.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Again, Elgin has the edge. Median home prices are about $15,000 lower in Elgin vs Aurora as of 2025.
8. Conclusion
While Elgin has a narrow lead in affordability, both cities offer a reasonable cost of living for Illinois. Elgin may be the better choice for those seeking a tight-knit community vibe and charming downtown. Aurora appeals more to commuters and those wanting easy access to city amenities and transportation.
Budgets are highly personal. For a more customized look at your expenses in each city, try plugging your details into these tools:
Wherever you land, both Elgin and Aurora provide a welcoming home for a wide range of households. We hope this comparison helps you find the right fit for your finances!