Is Austin, TX cheaper than Aurora, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 2.3% more expensive than Aurora, IL. This translates to spending an extra $170 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Aurora, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Aurora, IL, you'd need approximately $152,042.831 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Aurora, IL and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 12.2% more expensive than in Aurora, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,338/month in Aurora, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Aurora, IL to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $170 more per month than Aurora, IL, or $2043 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Aurora, IL vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Aurora, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Aurora, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $170/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.0K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$170

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Aurora, IL

Population:178K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$298K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$558K

Aurora, IL

The Prairie State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 178K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Aurora, IL vs Austin, TX

Category	Aurora, IL	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,571/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $313more	12.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,565/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $281less	18.0%
📦Other	$1,638/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $103more	6.3%
⚡All Utilities	$501/mo	$541/mo	↑ $39.90more	8.0%
🛒Groceries	$993/mo	$959/mo	↓ $34.16less	3.4%
🏥Healthcare	$574/mo	$589/mo	↑ $14.48more	2.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 12.2%

Aurora, IL

$2,571

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$313

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.0%

Aurora, IL

$1,565

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$281

less

📦Other

↑ 6.3%

Aurora, IL

$1,638

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$103

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.0%

Aurora, IL

$501

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$39.90

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.4%

Aurora, IL

$993

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$34.16

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.5%

Aurora, IL

$574

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$14.48

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,109

To$1,585

↑ $476

1 Bed

From$1,188

To$1,685

↑ $497

2 Bed

From$1,338

To$1,995

↑ $657

3 Bed

From$1,726

To$2,525

↑ $799

Aurora, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,430–$2,140/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,843

Monthly in Aurora, IL

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$156

Difference

Home Values

Aurora

Austin

$298K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +43.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$236K - $339K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 88% more expensive than Aurora

Calculate payment - Aurora Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$619

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.9%

Rate difference

Aurora, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Aurora, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.