Louisville, KY vs Aurora, IL: 74 vs 100

$1,069/mo ↓ 30%

Median Rent

$1,535/mo ↑ 44%

$64,731/yr ↓ 28%

Median Income

$90,109/yr ↑ 39%

$221,500 ↓ 15%

Home Value

$260,400 ↑ 18%

$1,118/mo ↓ 30%

Owner Costs

$1,591/mo ↑ 42%

627,210

Population

179,867

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $466/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $5,592/year.

Median household income is $25,378/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Louisville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Aurora — common questions

Is Louisville or Aurora cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 100 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Louisville and Aurora?

Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $466/month.

Which city has higher income, Louisville or Aurora?

Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $25,378/year higher in Aurora.

How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Illinois?

Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.

Should I move to Louisville or Aurora?

It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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.

Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Louisville

Aurora

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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