Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Aurora is 54% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,535/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 30%
$90,109/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 34%
$260,400 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 44%
$1,591/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 34%
179,867
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $462/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $5,544/year.

Median household income is $30,926/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Aurora or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Kansas City?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $462/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Kansas City?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $30,926/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Kansas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Kansas City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Kansas City

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