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

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Aurora is 32% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,535/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 22%
$90,109/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 29%
$260,400 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 26%
$1,591/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 28%
179,867
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $334/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $4,008/year.

Median household income is $25,839/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Aurora or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Pasadena?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $334/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Pasadena?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $25,839/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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Pasadena

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport