Oak Lawn, IL vs. Aurora, IL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
The Johnsons, a family of four, are debating whether to relocate to Oak Lawn or Aurora, two popular Chicago suburbs. They want to know: which city offers a lower cost of living and better fits their lifestyle and budget in 2025? Let’s compare key expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, and taxes to see if Oak Lawn or Aurora comes out ahead.
Housing Costs: Oak Lawn vs Aurora
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Oak Lawn and Aurora. Here’s how typical rental and purchase prices compare:
| Housing Type | Oak Lawn | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,600 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $325,000 | $350,000 |
🏆 Winner: Oak Lawn. Housing costs about 10% less in Oak Lawn compared to Aurora, with lower apartment rents and home prices.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two suburbs. Oak Lawn and Aurora both experience cold winters and mild summers, so heating and cooling costs are comparable. The Johnsons can expect to pay around $150-200 per month for electricity and gas in either city.
🏆 Winner: Tie. There’s no significant difference in utility costs between Oak Lawn and Aurora.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
The Johnsons will find that groceries, dining out, and everyday purchases cost about the same in Oak Lawn and Aurora. Both suburbs have a good mix of affordable supermarkets, local markets, chain restaurants, and small businesses. An average family of four spends around $1,100 per month on groceries and incidentals in either location.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Oak Lawn and Aurora have similar costs for food, dining, and daily goods.
Taxes and Fees
Illinois has the second highest property taxes in the nation, so this is an important factor for the Johnsons to weigh. The average effective property tax rate is 2.72% in Oak Lawn and 3.19% in Aurora. That means annual taxes on a $350,000 home would be about $1,600 higher in Aurora.
Both cities also charge a local sales tax on top of the state rate of 6.25%. Oak Lawn’s sales tax is 10%, while Aurora’s is 8.25%.
🏆 Winner: Oak Lawn. Property taxes and sales tax are notably lower in Oak Lawn compared to Aurora.
Cost of Living in Oak Lawn vs Aurora
To get a full picture, let’s add up all the key monthly expenses for a family like the Johnsons in each city. These figures assume a gross monthly income (pre-tax) of $8,000.
| Expense | Oak Lawn | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $1,900 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $200 | $200 |
| Groceries & Dining | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Healthcare | $600 | $600 |
| Childcare & Education | $1,200 | $1,300 |
| Taxes | $1,600 | $1,800 |
| Misc Expenses | $700 | $700 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $7,800 | $8,250 |
Lifestyle Fit: Oak Lawn or Aurora?
Beyond the raw numbers, the Johnsons need to consider which suburb better suits their family’s preferences and needs. A few key differences:
- Oak Lawn is a bit closer to downtown Chicago, with a 30 minute train ride vs 45-60 minutes from Aurora. But both suburbs offer a quieter pace of life compared to the city.
- Aurora covers a larger area and has more housing options, while Oak Lawn is more walkable and easier to get around without a car.
- Summers are fairly similar, but winters tend to be about 5°F colder in Aurora given its location further from Lake Michigan.
Oak Lawn vs Aurora Cost of Living FAQ
Is Oak Lawn more affordable than Aurora?
Yes, the cost of living is about 5-10% lower in Oak Lawn, mainly due to cheaper housing, lower property taxes, and lower sales tax.
Which city has lower rent prices?
Oak Lawn has slightly lower apartment rents on average. A typical 2BR unit costs around $1,450 per month in Oak Lawn compared to $1,600 in Aurora.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
The median price for a 3BR home is about $25,000 less in Oak Lawn than Aurora. Plus, property tax rates are 0.47% lower in Oak Lawn.
Conclusion
For a family like the Johnsons, Oak Lawn offers a lower overall cost of living than Aurora. Housing costs and taxes are the biggest factors, with savings of a few hundred dollars per month in Oak Lawn. The decision ultimately comes down to each family’s budget, lifestyle, and location needs.
Considering other Chicago suburbs? Check out our sample monthly budgets for Oak Lawn and guides to the best ways to relocate to a new city.