Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Kansas City is 20% cheaper than Aurora.

$1,186/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 29%
$67,449/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 34%
$227,000 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$260,400 ↑ 15%
$1,205/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 32%
508,233
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $349/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $4,188/year.

Median household income is $22,660/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Aurora — common questions

Is Kansas City or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Aurora?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $349/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Aurora?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $22,660/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Illinois?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/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 Kansas City details → View Aurora details →

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