Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Aurora is 21% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,535/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 8%
$90,109/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 3%
$260,400 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 75%
$1,591/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 1%
179,867
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $116/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $1,392/year.

Median household income is $3,130/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Sparks — common questions

Is Aurora or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Sparks?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $116/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Sparks?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $3,130/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Nevada?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Sparks

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler