Is Aurora, IL cheaper than Grand Rapids, MI?

Based on cost of living data, Aurora, IL is 7.9% more expensive than Grand Rapids, MI. This translates to spending an extra $590 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Grand Rapids, MI, you'd need approximately $157,077.209 in Aurora, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Aurora, IL is 30.3% more expensive than in Grand Rapids, MI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,338/month in Aurora, IL compared to $1,652/month in Grand Rapids, MI.

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

Living in Aurora, IL costs approximately $590 more per month than Grand Rapids, MI, or $7077 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Grand Rapids, MI vs Aurora, IL: 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 Grand Rapids, MI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $590/month more in Aurora, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.1K in Aurora, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI area

Overall Cost

↑ 7.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$590

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$7.1K

Per year

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

Grand Rapids, MI

Population:197K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$288K

Aurora, IL

Population:178K

Cost Index:

108

(8% above avg)

Median Home:$298K

Grand Rapids, MI

The Great Lakes State

197K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Aurora, IL

The Prairie State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Grand Rapids, MI vs Aurora, IL

Category	Grand Rapids, MI	Aurora, IL	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,973/mo	$2,571/mo	↑ $598more	30.3%
Healthcare	$728/mo	$574/mo	↓ $154less	21.1%
Transportation	$1,444/mo	$1,565/mo	↑ $122more	8.4%
Groceries	$972/mo	$993/mo	↑ $21.74more	2.2%
All Utilities	$515/mo	$501/mo	↓ $13.70less	2.7%
Other	$1,649/mo	$1,638/mo	↓ $11.32less	0.7%

Housing

↑ 30.3%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,973

Aurora, IL

$2,571

Difference

$598

Healthcare

↓ 21.1%

Grand Rapids, MI

$728

Aurora, IL

$574

Difference

$154

less

Transportation

↑ 8.4%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,444

Aurora, IL

$1,565

Difference

$122

Groceries

↑ 2.2%

Grand Rapids, MI

$972

Aurora, IL

$993

Difference

$21.74

All Utilities

↓ 2.7%

Grand Rapids, MI

$515

Aurora, IL

$501

Difference

$13.70

less

Other

↓ 0.7%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,649

Aurora, IL

$1,638

Difference

$11.32

less

🏛️ 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$1,334

To$1,109

↓ $225

1 Bed

From$1,375

To$1,188

↓ $187

2 Bed

From$1,652

To$1,338

↓ $314

3 Bed

From$2,134

To$1,726

↓ $408

Grand Rapids, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,280–$1,420/mo

Aurora, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,430–$2,140/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.

$7,280

Monthly in Grand Rapids, MI

$7,843

Monthly in Aurora, IL

$563

Difference

Home Values

Grand Rapids

Aurora

$288K

Median Value

$298K

↑ +2.2%

YoY Change

↑ +3.5%

↑ +40.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +43.2%

$229K - $481K

Price Range

$236K - $339K

Homes in Aurora are 3% more expensive than Grand Rapids

Calculate payment - Grand Rapids Calculate payment - Aurora

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$87.50

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Grand Rapids, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

Aurora, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

💡 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.