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

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Aurora is 10% more expensive than College Station.

$1,535/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 24%
$90,109/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 43%
$260,400 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 25%
$1,591/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 21%
179,867
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $367/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $4,404/year.

Median household income is $38,333/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs College Station — common questions

Is Aurora or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and College Station?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $367/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or College Station?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $38,333/year higher in Aurora.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and College Station

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette