Is Des Moines, IA cheaper than Aurora, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Des Moines, IA is 10.6% cheaper than Aurora, IL. This translates to saving $798 per month.

What salary do I need in Des Moines, IA to live like I do in Aurora, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Aurora, IL, you'd need approximately $140,425.774 in Des Moines, IA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Aurora, IL and Des Moines, IA?

Housing in Des Moines, IA is 19.1% cheaper than in Aurora, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,260/month in Des Moines, IA compared to $1,338/month in Aurora, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Aurora, IL to Des Moines, IA?

Moving from Aurora, IL to Des Moines, IA could save you approximately $798 per month, or $9574 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Aurora, IL vs Des Moines, IA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Aurora, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $798/month moving to Des Moines, IA

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.4K in Des Moines, IA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 10.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$798

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.6K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$298K

Des Moines, IA

Population:214K

Cost Index:

(11% below avg)

Median Home:$228K

Aurora, IL

The Prairie State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Des Moines, IA

The Hawkeye State

214K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 214K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Aurora, IL vs Des Moines, IA

Category	Aurora, IL	Des Moines, IA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,571/mo	$2,079/mo	↓ $492less	19.1%
Transportation	$1,565/mo	$1,243/mo	↓ $322less	20.6%
Healthcare	$574/mo	$682/mo	↑ $107more	18.7%
Groceries	$993/mo	$909/mo	↓ $84.13less	8.5%
All Utilities	$501/mo	$470/mo	↓ $31.13less	6.2%
Other	$1,638/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $30.56less	1.9%

Housing

↓ 19.1%

Aurora, IL

$2,571

Des Moines, IA

$2,079

Difference

$492

less

Transportation

↓ 20.6%

Aurora, IL

$1,565

Des Moines, IA

$1,243

Difference

$322

less

Healthcare

↑ 18.7%

Aurora, IL

$574

Des Moines, IA

$682

Difference

$107

Groceries

↓ 8.5%

Aurora, IL

$993

Des Moines, IA

$909

Difference

$84.13

less

All Utilities

↓ 6.2%

Aurora, IL

$501

Des Moines, IA

$470

Difference

$31.13

less

Other

↓ 1.9%

Aurora, IL

$1,638

Des Moines, IA

$1,607

Difference

$30.56

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,109

To$1,020

↓ $89.00

1 Bed

From$1,188

To$1,060

↓ $128

2 Bed

From$1,338

To$1,260

↓ $78.00

3 Bed

From$1,726

To$1,720

↓ $6.00

Aurora, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,430–$2,140/mo

Des Moines, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,150/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

$6,990

Monthly in Des Moines, IA

$853

Difference

Home Values

Aurora

Des Moines

$298K

Median Value

$228K

↑ +3.5%

YoY Change

↑ +1.2%

↑ +43.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.4%

$236K - $339K

Price Range

$157K - $344K

Homes in Des Moines are 23% less expensive than Aurora

Calculate payment - Aurora Calculate payment - Des Moines

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$273

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.2%

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

Des Moines, IA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Iowa State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.7K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.7K

Take-Home Pay

$8,524/month

$102.3K

Additional Tax Information

Aurora, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Des Moines, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:1.5%

💡 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.