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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Brownsville is 46% cheaper than Aurora.

$906/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 69%
$48,675/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 85%
$122,400 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$260,400 ↑ 113%
$830/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 92%
188,023
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $629/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $7,548/year.

Median household income is $41,434/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Aurora — common questions

Is Brownsville or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Aurora?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $629/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Aurora?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $41,434/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/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 Brownsville details → View Aurora details →

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