San Jose, CA and Aurora, IL vary widely in terms of climate, cost of living, economy, and cultural facets. San Jose, in the heart of Silicon Valley, is known for its tech-driven economy, Mediterranean climate, and substantial cost of living. Conversely, Aurora has a lower cost of living, a more diversified economy, and experiences all four seasons. Lifestyle, educational opportunities, tax structure, and infrastructure need to be considered when deciding between these two cities, making both cities offer unique opportunities for residents and tourists alike.
Distance between
San Jose, CA and
Aurora, IL : 1,803.6 miles
San Jose's population is larger by 449%. Its population has grown by 88,546 people (9.9%) since 2000. The population of Aurora has grown by 36,276 people (25.4%) during that time.
San Jose has a lower crime rate overall compared to national averages, making it relatively safe for residents and tourists. However, property crime rates are higher than average. On the other hand, Aurora has made significant progress in reducing crime and is now considered one of the safest cities in Illinois. Both cities devote substantial resources to public safety, with proactive policing strategies and community engagement.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,806 registered sex offenders living in San Jose and 247 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Jose is 568 to 1; the ratio in Aurora is 798 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in San Jose than in Aurora.
Cost of Living
San Jose is one of the most expensive cities to live in the United States, primarily driven by the high cost of housing. Living in Aurora is significantly less expensive, with housing costs well below the national average. Related expenses such as groceries, healthcare, and transportation are also less expensive in Aurora.
Income Tax
California's income tax rates are among the highest in the U.S., which impacts residents of San Jose. Illinois' income tax system is a flat rate, making it lower for most income levels compared to California.
Property Tax
Property taxes in both San Jose and Aurora are relatively high. However, because housing prices are lower in Aurora, most homeowners tend to pay less in property taxes than they would for a similarly sized property in San Jose.
Sales Tax
San Jose has a higher sales tax compared to Aurora. The combined sales tax rate for San Jose is about 9.25%, while in Aurora it's at about 8%. However, shopping in California is more expensive generally due to the high cost of goods and services.
Income
Type
San Jose
Aurora
Estimated median household income
$126,377
$83,996
Estimated per capita income
$57,357
$34,054
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
127.4
100.6
If you make $50,000 in Aurora, you will have to make $63,320 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Jose, surrounded by mountains, offers outdoor enthusiasts numerous hiking and biking trails. Aurora, sitting along the Fox River, provides a variety of recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, and scenic parks.
San Jose's robust educational environment includes a number of high-ranking public and private schools, as well as renowned universities like San Jose State University. Aurora also offers quality education, including a top-notch school district and access to higher education facilities in nearby Chicago. Both cities value education and offer a wide range of opportunities for students.
San Jose's economy is driven by the tech industry, with many global tech companies headquartered here. Conversely, Aurora has a more diversified economy, with healthcare, education, and manufacturing among the top industries. Unemployment rates are low in both cities, and job opportunities are plentiful, but the high wages in San Jose's tech sector significantly increase the city's median income.
Biggest Employers
Some of the biggest employers in San Jose include Cisco Systems, eBay, and Adobe Systems. Aurora is home to several major employers including the Caterpillar Inc., Rush-Copley Medical Center, and the West Aurora School District. Both cities offer a stable job market with major employers in various sectors.
There were 299 building permits issued in San Jose in 2012 (216 more than in 2011) compared to 55 building permits issued in Aurora in 2012 (12 less than in 2011).
In San Jose (Santa Clara County), 70.0% voted for Democrats and 27.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Aurora (Kane County), 49.7% voted for Democrats and 48.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Jose
Aurora
San Jose
Aurora
San Jose
Aurora
2020
72.7%
56.3%
25.2%
41.9%
2.1%
1.8%
2016
72.7%
52.0%
20.6%
41.5%
6.7%
6.4%
2012
70.0%
49.7%
27.1%
48.6%
2.9%
1.6%
2008
69.6%
55.4%
28.6%
43.6%
1.8%
1.0%
2004
64.3%
44.1%
34.8%
55.1%
0.9%
0.8%
2000
60.7%
42.5%
34.4%
54.5%
4.9%
3.0%
1996
56.9%
41.8%
32.2%
47.4%
11.0%
10.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Jose
Aurora
San Jose
Aurora
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.1%
30.2%
6.0%
8.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
2.6%
1.8%
1.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
0.5%
7.7%
4.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
0.6%
2.3%
2.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.6%
2.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
1.8%
2.3%
4.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
2.6%
1.4%
6.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.9%
1.1%
3.1%
Weather
The weather in San Jose is of a Mediterranean type, with dry, hot summers and mild, wet winters. On the other hand, Aurora experiences a typical midwestern climate with hot summers and very cold winters. San Jose offers a more consistent climate enjoyed by both residents and tourists, whilst Aurora's four distinct seasons can offer a variety of experiences.
Weather and climate
Type
San Jose
Aurora
Temperature - Average
60.9°F
48°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
75.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35.5%
31.3%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
85.3%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.6%
54%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.1 in
38.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
77.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.4%
14.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
73.8%
56.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
33%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77.4%
68%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54.4%
35%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
10.7 mph
Average climate in San Jose, California
Average climate in Aurora, Illinois
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Jose
Aurora
San Jose
San Jose
San Jose
Aurora
San Jose
Aurora
San Jose
Aurora
San Jose
Aurora
2018
94
85
0.49
N/A
14.5
N/A
22.2
26.6
0.006
N/A
23.9
N/A
12.5
10.6
0.2
0.9
2017
91
76
0.50
N/A
14.6
N/A
23.5
27.8
0.004
N/A
26.2
N/A
10.2
N/A
0.2
1.0
2016
69
77
0.47
N/A
13.7
N/A
22.4
27.6
0.003
N/A
27.7
N/A
8.8
N/A
0.2
0.5
2015
84
76
0.52
N/A
15.4
N/A
22.3
26.3
0.004
N/A
36.0
N/A
9.2
N/A
0.3
1.5
2014
83
72
0.40
N/A
13.9
N/A
21.5
24.8
0.004
N/A
46.2
N/A
8.2
N/A
0.2
1.0
2013
90
72
0.41
N/A
15.2
N/A
20.8
24.3
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
N/A
0.3
2.1
2012
74
87
0.35
N/A
13.3
N/A
21.8
25.7
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.1
10.3
0.3
2.5
2011
83
82
0.37
N/A
14.8
N/A
20.6
24.6
0.003
N/A
26.9
N/A
12.3
12.8
0.3
3.1
2010
88
87
0.35
N/A
14.4
N/A
20.4
24.3
0.004
N/A
26.5
N/A
9.0
12.6
0.4
2.7
2009
89
94
0.40
N/A
14.7
N/A
18.2
21.7
0.004
N/A
26.4
N/A
9.3
13.2
0.3
2.7
2008
100
87
0.45
N/A
16.7
N/A
20.6
22.4
N/A
N/A
29.0
N/A
12.6
11.8
N/A
4.2
2007
92
111
0.44
N/A
16.6
N/A
20.0
23.6
0.009
N/A
32.6
N/A
11.1
12.7
N/A
4.8
2006
100
68
0.46
N/A
18.0
N/A
21.8
20.2
N/A
N/A
32.1
N/A
11.1
N/A
N/A
4.3
2005
95
84
0.68
N/A
18.6
N/A
20.0
22.7
N/A
N/A
32.0
N/A
11.6
N/A
N/A
4.7
2004
98
71
0.63
N/A
18.5
N/A
20.4
19.8
N/A
N/A
32.8
N/A
9.9
N/A
N/A
4.5
2003
87
80
0.73
N/A
20.6
N/A
19.1
20.2
N/A
N/A
31.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.0
2002
78
90
0.65
N/A
19.5
N/A
18.0
21.2
0.006
N/A
37.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.6
2001
75
85
0.61
N/A
18.5
N/A
16.8
20.6
0.008
N/A
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.4
2000
65
64
0.66
N/A
18.9
N/A
15.6
19.4
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.2
Natural disasters
Type
San Jose
Aurora
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9%
153.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,785.3%
154.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
15%
Transportation
Transportation in San Jose is highly developed with a network of freeways, public transit options including VTA light-rail and bus services, and numerous bike lanes. Aurora also has solid infrastructure including Metra rail service to Chicago and a comprehensive local bus system. Commuting times in both cities are fairly average, with many residents commuting 30-45 minutes each way to work.
Transport
Type
San Jose
Aurora
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
553
30
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
13
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Jose
Aurora
Bicycle
1%
0.2%
Bus
1.1%
0.3%
Carpooled
11.4%
11%
Car alone
80.5%
85.1%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0.1%
Subway
0.2%
0.3%
Walked
3.3%
1.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Jose
Aurora
Average
29.2 min
27 min
Other means
27.9 min
28.1 min
Public transportation
48.5 min
61.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Jose
Aurora
Average
1.2
1.3
Drove alone
87.3%
86.1%
In 2 person carpool
8.9%
9.7%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
0.6%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
2.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in San Jose is extremely expensive, with median home prices considerably higher than the national average. On the flip side, real estate in Aurora is quite affordable, with the cost of housing well below the national average. Both cities offer a variety of housing options, from apartments to single-family homes.
Neighborhoods
San Jose offers diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique blend of cultures, food, and experiences. Downtown San Jose is known for its bustling nightlife and dining scene. Aurora's neighborhoods cater to a variety of lifestyles and budgets, with historic houses, suburban-style developments, and modern apartments available.
Houses and residents
Type
San Jose
Aurora
Houses
340,561
64,677
Average household size (people)
3.1
3.1
Median year apartment built
1979
1977
Median year house/condo built
1973
1990
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.6 years
13.1 years
Houses occupied
322,881 (94.8%)
62,379 (96.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
179,797 (55.7%)
43,361 (69.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
143,084 (44.3%)
19,018 (30.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,214
$1,534
Median monthly housing costs
$2,463
$1,408
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,197,016
$92,244
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$232,400
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
5.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$255,964
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$753,788
$145,729
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$680,453
$141,854
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$688,625
$103,693
Median house price - mobile homes
$240,963
$317,080
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$892,629
$202,183
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$240,490
Median house age
45
34
Renting percentage
41.5%
30.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,947.6
1,678.8
House value disparities
21.2%
26.4%
Household income disparities
38.3%
40.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$197,583
$112,817
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$103,711
$76,448
Housing units without a mortgage
2,632 (2.1%)
296 (1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13,499 (10.6%)
1,148 (3.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,224 (97.9%)
30,127 (99%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
346 (0.3%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,249 (12.8%)
1,552 (5.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Jose
Aurora
One, detached
50.9%
59.3%
One, attached
11.5%
16.8%
Two
1.1%
3.6%
3 or 4
5.0%
3.4%
5 to 9
5.1%
3.5%
10 to 19
4.5%
6.0%
20 to 49
4.5%
2.2%
50 or more
14.2%
4.8%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
28,517
3,558
State government workers
10,222
1,410
Unpaid family workers
472
54
Industries and Occupations
The tech industry dominates San Jose, with software engineers and developers among the most common occupations. Aurora's economy is more diverse, with healthcare workers, educators, and manufacturing workers making up a significant portion of the workforce. The tech influence in San Jose attracts highly educated professionals, while Aurora's diversified economy provides opportunities for a wide variety of skills and education levels.
San Jose is home to several world-class health care facilities, including Stanford Health Care and El Camino Hospital. Aurora also offers high-quality health care with several hospitals and specialty care clinics serving the area.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Jose
Aurora
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Jose offers robust infrastructure, including a comprehensive public transit system and extensive biking and walking trails. Aurora also offers good infrastructure, with easy access to Chicago via public transportation and highways. Both cities have made substantial investments in maintaining and improving their infrastructure to meet the needs of their growing populations.
Infrastructure
Type
San Jose
Aurora
Hospitals
20
5
TV stations
9
27
Bank branches located here
145
45
Bank institutions located here
25
19
Main business address for public companies
74
3
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
21
4
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Jose
Aurora
1999
3,839
182
2000
2,577
240
2001
1,953
182
2002
1,908
191
2003
3,578
363
2004
5,489
683
2005
6,994
1,038
2006
6,324
1,182
2007
4,298
627
2008
2,419
211
2009
1,631
89
Culture and Food
San Jose boasts a vibrant mix of cultures, reflected in its culinary scene. The city hosts a variety of ethnic festivals and has a thriving arts scene. Aurora, while smaller, also offers a diverse culinary scene and hosts various cultural and music festivals throughout the year, adding to its charm.
Sports Teams
San Jose is home to major sports teams like the San Jose Sharks (NHL) and the Earthquakes (MLS). Aurora, being close to Chicago, gives access to popular teams such as the Chicago Bulls (NBA), the Chicago Cubs and White Sox (MLB), and the Chicago Bears (NFL).
San Jose, CA
Aurora, IL
San Jose, CA and 
Aurora, IL : 1,803.6 miles
