St. Louis, MO vs Aurora, IL: 66 vs 100

$978/mo ↓ 36%

Median Rent

$1,535/mo ↑ 57%

$55,279/yr ↓ 39%

Median Income

$90,109/yr ↑ 63%

$185,100 ↓ 29%

Home Value

$260,400 ↑ 41%

$1,013/mo ↓ 36%

Owner Costs

$1,591/mo ↑ 57%

293,109

Population

179,867

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $557/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $6,684/year.

Median household income is $34,830/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Aurora — common questions

Is St. Louis or Aurora cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 100 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Aurora?

Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $557/month.

Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Aurora?

Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $34,830/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 St. Louis or Aurora?

It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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: St. Louis, MO vs Aurora, IL (2026)

St. Louis

Aurora

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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