Des Plaines, IL vs. Aurora, IL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which Chicago suburb gives you more bang for your buck – Des Plaines or Aurora? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between these two popular cities. It’s perfect for families relocating to the Chicago area, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone wanting to compare the real-life monthly expenses of living in Des Plaines vs Aurora in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare for Des Plaines and Aurora:
| Housing Type | Des Plaines | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,650 | $1,450 |
| 3BR House Mortgage | $2,200 | $1,900 |
🏆 Winner: Aurora. Housing costs, both for renting and buying, tend to be 10-15% lower in Aurora compared to Des Plaines.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another important monthly expense. In the Chicago area, expect higher heating costs in the winter months. Here are typical household utility costs:
- Des Plaines: $180-$220/month
- Aurora: $160-$200/month
🏆 Winner: Aurora. While utility costs are similar, Aurora residents save around $20/month on average.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
The cost of groceries, dining out, and everyday goods are fairly comparable between Des Plaines and Aurora. Expect to spend around $400-500/month per person on food and incidentals in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No significant difference in grocery and daily living costs.
Taxes and Fees
Illinois has relatively high taxes overall. Aurora has a lower property tax rate of 2.3% compared to 2.7% in Des Plaines. However, Des Plaines has lower vehicle sticker fees and other local taxes.
🏆 Winner: Des Plaines. The lower municipal taxes and fees in Des Plaines can offset the higher property tax rate for many households.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Des Plaines | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,650 – $2,200 | $1,450 – $1,900 |
| Utilities | $180 – $220 | $160 – $200 |
| Groceries | $400 – $500 | $400 – $500 |
| Transportation | $60 – $80 | $50 – $70 |
| Taxes | 2.7% property tax | 2.3% property tax |
| Misc Expenses | $200 | $200 |
| Est. Monthly Total | $2,540 – $3,200 | $2,260 – $2,870 |
Lifestyle Fit
While Aurora offers a lower overall cost of living, each city has unique advantages:
- Des Plaines is closer to O’Hare Airport and downtown Chicago. Commutes are 20% shorter on average.
- Aurora provides more space and newer housing for the money. Lot sizes are 30% larger than in Des Plaines.
Consider your budget, housing needs, and lifestyle preferences to decide which city is the best fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Des Plaines more affordable than Aurora?
No, Aurora has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing. See a full monthly budget breakdown for Des Plaines. - Which city has lower rent?
Aurora has lower rent, with a typical 2BR apartment costing $1,450/month vs $1,650/month in Des Plaines. - Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Aurora also has lower home prices. A 3BR house mortgage averages $1,900/month compared to $2,200/month in Des Plaines.
Conclusion
While both Des Plaines and Aurora are relatively affordable Chicago suburbs, Aurora offers a lower cost of living overall. Housing costs are the biggest difference, with Aurora rents and mortgages averaging 10-15% less than in Des Plaines.
However, Des Plaines’ proximity to Chicago and O’Hare Airport make it worth the premium for some. Families looking for more space may prefer Aurora, while professionals who value a shorter commute often choose Des Plaines.
Ultimately, both cities provide a high quality of life for the money compared to downtown Chicago. Consider getting free quotes from top moving companies to calculate your own cost of relocating to Des Plaines or Aurora. For more comparisons, check out our other cost of living breakdowns for Illinois cities.