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

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Aurora is 27% cheaper than Allen.

$1,535/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 22%
$90,109/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 43%
$260,400 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 65%
$1,591/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 31%
179,867
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $342/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $4,104/year.

Median household income is $39,021/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Allen — common questions

Is Aurora or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Allen?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $342/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Allen?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $39,021/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

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