Is Aurora, IL cheaper than Saint Paul, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Aurora, IL is 6.7% cheaper than Saint Paul, MN. This translates to saving $506 per month.

What salary do I need in Aurora, IL to live like I do in Saint Paul, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Saint Paul, MN, you'd need approximately $143,928.319 in Aurora, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Saint Paul, MN and Aurora, IL?

Housing in Aurora, IL is 8.4% cheaper than in Saint Paul, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,338/month in Aurora, IL compared to $1,500/month in Saint Paul, MN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Saint Paul, MN to Aurora, IL?

Moving from Saint Paul, MN to Aurora, IL could save you approximately $506 per month, or $6072 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Saint Paul, MN 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 Saint Paul, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $506/month moving to Aurora, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.9K in Aurora, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$506

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.1K

Per year

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

Saint Paul, MN

Population:308K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$274K

Aurora, IL

Population:178K

Cost Index:

(7% below avg)

Median Home:$298K

Saint Paul, MN

The North Star State

308K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 308K 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: Saint Paul, MN vs Aurora, IL

Category	Saint Paul, MN	Aurora, IL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,807/mo	$2,571/mo	↓ $235less	8.4%
Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,565/mo	↑ $186more	13.5%
Healthcare	$756/mo	$574/mo	↓ $182less	24.0%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,638/mo	↓ $137less	7.7%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$993/mo	↓ $35.78less	3.5%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$501/mo	↓ $7.12less	1.4%

Housing

↓ 8.4%

Saint Paul, MN

$2,807

Aurora, IL

$2,571

Difference

$235

less

Transportation

↑ 13.5%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,380

Aurora, IL

$1,565

Difference

$186

Healthcare

↓ 24.0%

Saint Paul, MN

$756

Aurora, IL

$574

Difference

$182

less

Other

↓ 7.7%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,774

Aurora, IL

$1,638

Difference

$137

less

Groceries

↓ 3.5%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,029

Aurora, IL

$993

Difference

$35.78

less

All Utilities

↓ 1.4%

Saint Paul, MN

$508

Aurora, IL

$501

Difference

$7.12

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,000

To$1,109

↑ $109

1 Bed

From$1,200

To$1,188

↓ $12.00

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,338

↓ $162

3 Bed

From$2,100

To$1,726

↓ $374

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.

$8,254

Monthly in Saint Paul, MN

$7,843

Monthly in Aurora, IL

$411

Difference

Home Values

Saint Paul

Aurora

$274K

Median Value

$298K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↑ +3.5%

↑ +13.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +43.2%

$175K - $452K

Price Range

$236K - $339K

Homes in Aurora are 9% more expensive than Saint Paul

Calculate payment - Saint Paul Calculate payment - Aurora

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$251

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

Rate difference

Saint Paul, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

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

Saint Paul, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.