Is Grand Rapids, MI cheaper than Aurora, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Grand Rapids, MI is 7.3% cheaper than Aurora, IL. This translates to saving $547 per month.

What salary do I need in Grand Rapids, MI to live like I do in Aurora, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Aurora, IL, you'd need approximately $143,438.74 in Grand Rapids, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Aurora, IL and Grand Rapids, MI?

Housing in Grand Rapids, MI is 23.3% cheaper than in Aurora, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,652/month in Grand Rapids, MI compared to $1,338/month in Aurora, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Aurora, IL to Grand Rapids, MI?

Moving from Aurora, IL to Grand Rapids, MI could save you approximately $547 per month, or $6561 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Aurora, IL vs Grand Rapids, MI: 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 $547/month moving to Grand Rapids, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.4K in Grand Rapids, MI

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

Overall Cost

↓ 7.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$547

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.6K

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

Grand Rapids, MI

Population:197K

Cost Index:

(7% below avg)

Median Home:$288K

Aurora, IL

The Prairie State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Grand Rapids, MI

The Great Lakes State

197K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 197K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Aurora, IL vs Grand Rapids, MI

Category	Aurora, IL	Grand Rapids, MI	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,571/mo	$1,973/mo	↓ $598less	23.3%
Healthcare	$574/mo	$728/mo	↑ $154more	26.8%
Transportation	$1,565/mo	$1,444/mo	↓ $122less	7.8%
Groceries	$993/mo	$972/mo	↓ $21.74less	2.2%
All Utilities	$501/mo	$515/mo	↑ $13.70more	2.7%
Other	$1,638/mo	$1,649/mo	↑ $11.32more	0.7%

Housing

↓ 23.3%

Aurora, IL

$2,571

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,973

Difference

$598

less

Healthcare

↑ 26.8%

Aurora, IL

$574

Grand Rapids, MI

$728

Difference

$154

Transportation

↓ 7.8%

Aurora, IL

$1,565

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,444

Difference

$122

less

Groceries

↓ 2.2%

Aurora, IL

$993

Grand Rapids, MI

$972

Difference

$21.74

less

All Utilities

↑ 2.7%

Aurora, IL

$501

Grand Rapids, MI

$515

Difference

$13.70

Other

↑ 0.7%

Aurora, IL

$1,638

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,649

Difference

$11.32

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Grand Rapids, MI: Grand Rapids City Income Tax$2,250/yr (1.5%)

Aurora, IL has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,109

To$1,334

↑ $225

1 Bed

From$1,188

To$1,375

↑ $187

2 Bed

From$1,338

To$1,652

↑ $314

3 Bed

From$1,726

To$2,134

↑ $408

Aurora, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,430–$2,140/mo

Grand Rapids, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,280–$1,420/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

$7,280

Monthly in Grand Rapids, MI

$563

Difference

Home Values

Aurora

Grand Rapids

$298K

Median Value

$288K

↑ +3.5%

YoY Change

↑ +2.2%

↑ +43.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.6%

$236K - $339K

Price Range

$229K - $481K

Homes in Grand Rapids are 3% less expensive than Aurora

Calculate payment - Aurora Calculate payment - Grand Rapids

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$87.50

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

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

Grand Rapids, MI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Michigan State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.9%

$43.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,884/month

$106.6K

Additional Tax Information

Aurora, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Grand Rapids, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 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.