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

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

McKinney is 38% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,841/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↓ 17%
$120,273/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↓ 25%
$439,500 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 41%
$2,101/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↓ 24%
202,314
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $306/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $3,672/year.

Median household income is $30,164/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Aurora — common questions

Is McKinney or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Aurora?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $306/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Aurora?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $30,164/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/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 McKinney details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McKinney and Aurora

McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove