Cost of Living in Aurora, MO

Population 7,331 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023

45
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Aurora's median household income of $46,855 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (17% here). At 6.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 30 miles southwest of Springfield, Aurora falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 34% lower than Springfield's $165,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 36
Rent 58

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Aurora

The median home value in Aurora is $108,700 — 64% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $766/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,855/year is 37% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Missouri's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. Overall, Aurora has a cost of living index of 45 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$108,700
64% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$174,225
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$766/mo
42% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.0%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$623
1 BR
$668
2 BR
$826
3 BR
$1,142
4 BR
$1,311
Owner-occupied 67.1%
Renter-occupied 32.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$766
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,380/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
21.3 min
21% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.5%
Carpooled
12.8%
Walked
1.0%
Work from home
10.4%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 8.4%
State rate 4.2%
Avg local rate 4.1%
Property Tax 1.0%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$46,855
37% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,651
Unemployment Rate
6.7%
39% above avg
Poverty Rate
17.2%
Labor Force Participation
58.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 7.1%
Graduate degree 5.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.3
Male median age 41
Female median age 43.3

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.4:1
Student-teacher ratio
5
Public schools
1,799
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Aurora, MO?

Aurora has a cost index of 45 (100 = national average). It is 55% below the national average.

What is average rent in Aurora, MO?

The median gross rent in Aurora is $766 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Aurora?

The median home value in Aurora is $108,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Aurora?

The median household income in Aurora is $46,855 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Aurora, MO?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Aurora is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Aurora, MO affordable?

Yes, Aurora is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 45 — about 55% below the US national average of 100.

Aurora at a Glance

Population
7,331
Median Income
$46,855
Home Value
$108,700
Median Rent
$766/mo
Unemployment
6.7%
Sales Tax
8.4%
View all cities in Missouri →
🗺️ County data for Missouri

Explore county-level cost of living data

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