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

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Aurora is 22% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,535/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 19%
$90,109/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 7%
$260,400 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 56%
$1,591/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 13%
179,867
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $290/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $3,480/year.

Median household income is $6,148/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Richardson — common questions

Is Aurora or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Richardson?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $290/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Richardson?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $6,148/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Richardson

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater