Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Baton Rouge is 27% cheaper than Aurora.

$1,044/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 47%
$49,944/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 80%
$224,500 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$260,400 ↑ 16%
$1,043/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 53%
223,699
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $491/month cheaper in Baton Rouge, saving renters about $5,892/year.

Median household income is $40,165/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Baton Rouge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Aurora — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baton Rouge is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Aurora?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $491/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Aurora?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $40,165/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Illinois?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,535/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baton Rouge details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and Aurora

Baton Rouge vs. Richmond Baton Rouge vs. Hialeah Baton Rouge vs. Fremont Baton Rouge vs. San Bernardino Baton Rouge vs. Santa Clarita Baton Rouge vs. Tacoma Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove