Naperville, IL vs. Aurora, IL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Naperville vs Aurora. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Naperville vs Aurora in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Naperville and Aurora stack up:
| Housing Type | Naperville | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,850 | $1,550 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $475,000 | $350,000 |
🏆 Winner: Aurora. Housing costs are significantly lower in Aurora compared to Naperville, with potential savings of $300/month on rent and over $100,000 on home prices.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Typical monthly bills:
- Electricity: $120-150
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $60-80
- Internet: $50-70
Both cities experience cold winters and mild summers. Heating costs will be higher November through March. Aurora offers more public transportation, which can reduce car fuel costs.
🏆 Winner: Aurora has a slight edge on utilities and transportation.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are comparable in Naperville and Aurora. Expect to spend around $400-500 per month for a typical family. Restaurant prices are also similar.
However, Naperville has more high-end dining and boutique shopping options, which can increase discretionary spending. Aurora offers more budget-friendly chains and local spots.
🏆 Winner: Aurora for more affordable daily expenses overall.
4. Taxes and Fees
Illinois has a flat income tax rate of 4.95%. However, there are some differences in local taxes:
- Naperville sales tax: 7.75%
- Aurora sales tax: 8.25%
- Naperville property tax: 2.08% average
- Aurora property tax: 2.32% average
In Naperville, HOA fees often include landscaping and amenities. Aurora has fewer gated communities with high fees.
🏆 Winner: Naperville has lower taxes and fees for many households.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Naperville | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,850 | $1,550 |
| Utilities | $250 | $230 |
| Groceries | $500 | $450 |
| Transportation | $200 | $150 |
| Taxes | 2.08% | 2.32% |
| Misc | $400 | $350 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,200 | $2,730 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Naperville offers more upscale living, with luxury apartments, spacious single-family homes, highly rated schools, and a lively downtown. It’s ideal for high-income families and professionals.
Aurora provides an excellent value for the western suburbs. It has more diverse housing options, easy access to I-88, and a historic downtown. Aurora homes average 500 sq ft larger than Naperville.
7. FAQ
- Is Naperville more affordable than Aurora? No, Aurora has a lower overall cost of living, especially for housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Aurora rents are around 20% cheaper than Naperville.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Aurora home prices are significantly lower. Use our [Monthly Budget Examples for Naperville Residents](/naperville-il/monthly-budget/) to estimate mortgage costs.
8. Conclusion
While both Naperville and Aurora offer a high quality of life, Aurora is the clear winner for cost of living. Families can save on housing, transportation, and daily expenses while still enjoying great amenities and convenience. However, Naperville remains popular for its top-notch schools and picturesque neighborhoods.
Choosing between the two comes down to budget and lifestyle priorities. Be sure to check out our full [Cost of Living in Naperville (2025 Guide)](/naperville-il/cost-overview/) for more details.