True Cost of Renting in Aurora, IL
Aurora is Chicago's second-largest city — a fact that surprises most outsiders. It straddles the Fox River 40 miles west of Chicago's Loop, offering significantly lower rents with Metra BNSF train access to Downtown Chicago in about 75 minutes. The city's downtown redevelopment and growing tech presence along the I-88 research corridor make it a practical choice for commuters priced out of Chicago.
Neighborhoods & Average Rents
Downtown Aurora
- Studio:
- $900/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,200/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,700/mo
Redeveloping riverfront district with the Paramount Theatre and growing restaurant scene. Metra BNSF station walkable. ComEd electric. Street parking is generally free. Lower rents than any comparable Chicago neighborhood — Aurora's best value for Chicago commuters.
North Aurora / Randall Road Corridor
- 1 Bed:
- $1,400/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,900/mo
Suburban apartment complex corridor along Randall Road; newer construction with amenities. Car-dependent but close to I-88 tech corridor employment (Fermi National Accelerator Lab, Navistar). Strong retail and restaurant access.
Fox Valley Area
- 1 Bed:
- $1,300/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,700/mo
Southern Aurora and unincorporated Kane County; townhome and apartment rentals at suburban prices. Fox Valley Mall nearby. Longer Metra commute from Oswego or Montgomery stops. Best value for families who need space over commute time.
Utility Providers
- Electric
- ComEd (Commonwealth Edison)
- Water
- City of Aurora Water Department
- Internet
- Comcast Xfinity, AT&T Internet, T-Mobile Home Internet
Commute & Transportation
Aurora's Metra BNSF station (Route 59 or Aurora Terminal) offers express service to Chicago Union Station and the Loop in 60–75 minutes, with monthly passes around $200–230. The I-88 Illinois Tollway connects Aurora to Chicago in 45–60 minutes by car (toll: $1.60–3.20 each way). I-88 is also the spine of Chicago's west suburban tech corridor, with Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Lab, and major corporate campuses in Naperville, Lisle, and Warrenville all within 15–25 minutes. Midway Airport is 35 miles east via I-88 and I-55.
Rental Market Overview
Aurora represents one of the best value propositions in the Chicago metro — 1BR rents are 40–50% below comparable Chicago neighborhoods while maintaining Metra access to the Loop. The downtown redevelopment has brought new restaurants and arts venues without yet pushing rents to suburban Naperville or Downers Grove levels. ComEd electric rates apply throughout the area ($0.12–0.14/kWh). Kane and DuPage County property tax rates are lower than Cook County, which moderates rent growth pressure from landlords. The I-88 tech corridor creates professional employment within a short commute from Aurora, making it a genuine alternative for tech workers at salaries that make Chicago rents feasible.
Data last updated: 2026-04
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