RentDataNowRentDataNow
City Report · IL

Aurora

Pop. 179,898·37th most expensive in Illinois·Aurora rents are up 5.2% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,287/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.2%
Month-over-Month
-0.4%
vs US Median
+$322
Stable (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss Aurora rents ↓
Most AffordableMost Expensive
Aurora · $2,287
More expensive than 72% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
46/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Aurora's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$2,287/mo
Expected by trend
$2,246/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Aurora's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,730
1 BR
$1,844
2 BR
$2,102
3 BR
$2,718
4 BR+
$3,162
Research median
$2,102/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$27,444/yr
At $2,287/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (5.2% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.2% YoY, -0.4% MoM), not inventory.
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Aurora, IL is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income above the national average, 38.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
179,898
Median income
$93,633
Median age
35.2
Renters
33.6%
Age distribution
25.2%
24.5%
29%
Under 1825.2%
18–3424.5%
35–5429%
55–6410.2%
65+11.1%
Gender
49.8%
50.2%
Male49.8%
Female50.2%
Race & ethnicity
36.7%
41.6%
12.4%
White36.7%
Black11%
Hispanic41.6%
Asian12.4%
Education (25+)
16.9%
20.7%
23.8%
38.5%
No HS diploma16.9%
HS diploma20.7%
Some college23.8%
Bachelor's+38.5%
Housing tenure
66.4%
33.6%
Owner66.4%
Renter33.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Aurora, IL has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,614 → $2,287
up 41.7%
Income
$79,642 → $93,633
up 17.6%
Population
183,447 → 179,898
down 1.9%
Renter share
33.3% → 33.6%
+0.3 pts
Bachelor's+
34.8% → 38.5%
+3.7 pts

The median rent in Aurora, IL stood at $1,614 in 2021 and currently runs about $2,287, reflecting a 41.7% increase over the period. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $79,642 in 2021 to $93,633 more recently. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has contracted by 1.9% since 2021, moving from about 183,447 residents to roughly 179,898. College-educated residents now make up 38.5% of adults here, versus 34.8% in 2021. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Aurora, IL market of 2021.

Community

Discussions about Aurora

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

View Aurora rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Aurora on your salary?

At $2,287/mo, how Aurora rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Aurora rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Aurora. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Aurora

About renting in Aurora, IL

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Aurora is $2,287/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,730/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,102/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,844/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,718/mo.

At 29% of local median household income ($93,633/yr), Aurora ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Aurora an affordable city for renters?

Aurora is considered affordable for renters. At $2,287/mo, rent takes approximately 29% of the local median household income ($93,633/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Aurora falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Aurora?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $91,000/year (~$44/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,287/mo in Aurora. The local median household income is $93,633/yr, meaning the typical Aurora household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Aurora?

Rent in Aurora has increased 5.2% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Aurora neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Aurora are 60505 ($1,653/mo), 60506 ($2,221/mo), and 60504 ($2,231/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Aurora is $2,287/mo.

How does Aurora rent compare to other cities in Illinois?

Aurora is one of the pricier cities in Illinois for rent, ranking #37 out of 142 tracked cities at $2,287/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Aurora?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Aurora ($2,287/mo): Batavia ($1,900/mo), North Aurora ($2,263/mo).

What percentage of Aurora residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 33.6% of Aurora households are renters, while 66.4% are owner-occupied. Aurora leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Aurora rent compare to the national average?

Aurora's median rent of $2,287/mo is $322 (16%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Illinois, it ranks #37 out of 142 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
29%
AFFORDABLE

At $2,287/mo, rent takes ~29% of Aurora's median household income ($93,633/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Aurora 29%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.95%
Run the Aurora affordability calculator →
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Aurora, IL

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for Aurora.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.