Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Aurora is 72% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,535/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 34%
$90,109/yr ↑ 108%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 52%
$260,400 ↑ 141%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 58%
$1,591/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 40%
179,867
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $517/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $6,204/year.

Median household income is $46,871/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Jackson — common questions

Is Aurora or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Jackson?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $517/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Jackson?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $46,871/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Mississippi?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Jackson has a cost index of 58 with rent of $1,018/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Jackson details →

More Comparisons

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