A data-driven snapshot comparing property taxes, sales taxes, state income taxes, and school quality across both locations. Free preview — 4 key metrics.
| Metric | 📍 Aurora, IL | 🎯 Valparaiso, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Property Tax Rate | 2.20% | 1.00% |
| Sales Tax Rate | 8.25% | 7.00% |
| State Income Tax Rate | 4.95% | 3.45% |
Indiana counties layer their own local income tax on top of the state rate. In Valparaiso's county, the combined burden can meaningfully exceed the headline 3.45% figure — something many relocators discover only after their first tax filing.
Property taxes are applied to assessed value, not market value. Illinois assesses residential property at roughly 33% of market value, Indiana at 100%, and Wisconsin assessment practices vary by municipality — which changes the real effective tax burden even when stated rates look similar.
No single tax tells the full story. Aurora has a 2.2% property tax, 8.25% sales tax, and 4.95% income tax. Valparaiso combines 1.0% property, 7.0% sales, and 3.45% income. Running all three through a real budget reveals the true cost-of-living difference.
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