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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Dallas is 3% cheaper than Aurora.

$1,403/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 9%
$67,760/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 33%
$295,300 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 12%
$1,409/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 13%
1,299,553
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $22,349/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Aurora — common questions

Is Dallas or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Aurora?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Aurora?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $22,349/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 Dallas or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dallas and Aurora

Dallas vs. San Diego Dallas vs. San Jose Dallas vs. San Antonio Dallas vs. Austin Dallas vs. Philadelphia Dallas vs. Jacksonville Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove