Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Arlington is 5% cheaper than Aurora.

$1,389/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 11%
$73,519/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 23%
$276,400 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 6%
$1,420/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 12%
394,769
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $16,590/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Aurora — common questions

Is Arlington or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Aurora?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Aurora?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $16,590/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,535/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Aurora details →

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