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

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Aurora is 28% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,535/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 17%
$90,109/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 57%
$260,400 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 84%
$1,591/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 26%
179,867
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $51,244/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Aurora or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $51,244/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and The Woodlands

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove The Woodlands vs. Lakeland The Woodlands vs. Evansville The Woodlands vs. Clearwater The Woodlands vs. Brandon The Woodlands vs. North Charleston The Woodlands vs. West Jordan