Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Omaha is 20% cheaper than Aurora.

$1,150/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 33%
$72,708/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 24%
$230,100 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$260,400 ↑ 13%
$1,249/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 27%
488,197
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $385/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $4,620/year.

Median household income is $17,401/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Aurora — common questions

Is Omaha or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Aurora?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $385/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Aurora?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $17,401/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Illinois?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/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 Omaha details → View Aurora details →

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