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

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Aurora is 33% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,535/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 25%
$90,109/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 35%
$260,400 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 25%
$1,591/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 26%
179,867
Population
156,144

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $31,770/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Killeen — common questions

Is Aurora or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Killeen?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Killeen?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $31,770/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 Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Killeen

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale