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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Plano is 32% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,792/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↓ 14%
$108,649/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↓ 17%
$440,600 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 41%
$1,829/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↓ 13%
287,339
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $18,540/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Aurora — common questions

Is Plano or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Aurora?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Aurora?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $18,540/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Aurora

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove