Is Aurora or Newmarket Cheaper? A Real Cost Comparison (2026)

If you're choosing between Aurora and Newmarket, the listing prices look similar. But once you add up property taxes, transit, utilities, and groceries, one city pulls ahead.

We ran the numbers using public data from York Region, Metrolinx, the Ontario Energy Board, and Statistics Canada.

The Quick Answer

Newmarket is about $100/month cheaper for renters and $300/month cheaper for buyers. The difference comes down to property tax rates and home prices.

Renting: Side by Side

Here's what a 2-bedroom rental actually costs per month in each city, including all the hidden expenses:

Aurora (2BR Rental)

• Monthly Rent: **$2,650**
• Utilities (tenant share): **$168**
• GO Transit monthly pass: **$310**
• Groceries (single person): **$420**
• Tenant Insurance: **$45**
• **True Monthly Cost: $3,593**

Newmarket (2BR Rental)

• Monthly Rent: **$2,600**
• Utilities (tenant share): **$165**
• GO Transit monthly pass: **$320**
• Groceries (single person): **$415**
• Tenant Insurance: **$43**
• **True Monthly Cost: $3,543**

The $50 difference in rent adds up, but Newmarket's slightly higher GO Transit cost ($320 vs $310) eats into the savings. Net difference: $50/month in Newmarket's favour.

Buying: The Gap Gets Bigger

This is where it gets interesting. We calculated based on the average home price with 20% down at 5.5% over 25 years:

Aurora (Average Home)

• Home Price: **$1,180,000**
• Property Tax Rate: **0.73%**
• Monthly Mortgage: **$5,798**
• Monthly Property Tax: **$718**
• **True Monthly Cost: $8,470**

Newmarket (Average Home)

• Home Price: **$1,120,000**
• Property Tax Rate: **0.75%**
• Monthly Mortgage: **$5,502**
• Monthly Property Tax: **$700**
• **True Monthly Cost: $8,106**

That's a $364/month difference — almost $4,400 per year. The lower home price in Newmarket more than offsets its slightly higher tax rate.

What About Schools and Lifestyle?

Both towns have excellent schools. Aurora has Dr. G.W. Williams and Aurora High. Newmarket has Newmarket High and Huron Heights. Both are well-rated.

Aurora leans slightly more upscale with the Highland Gate area and proximity to King Township estates. Newmarket has the Riverwalk Commons, Upper Canada Mall, and a revitalized Main Street that gives it more of a community-town feel.

Both have GO stations with similar commute times to Union (45-50 minutes).

The Bottom Line

If you're renting, the difference is marginal — pick based on lifestyle preference.

If you're buying, Newmarket saves you $4,400/year on the same income. That's real money over a 25-year mortgage.

Compare more York Region cities:
- Markham vs Richmond Hill — the two biggest cities head to head
- East Gwillimbury vs Georgina — York Region's most affordable options

Try the True Cost Calculator to run your own numbers with your specific budget, family size, and preferred city.