C+
22%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
66%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Aurora Colorado National
Cost of living122111100
Goods & Services106104100
Groceries105101100
Health care99100100
Housing166134100
Transportation104105100
Utilities8591100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Aurora, CO

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Aurora? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Aurora stands at 122, making it 22% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Aurora may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Aurora falls within this bracket.

When it comes to the cost of living in Aurora, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 66.4% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Aurora?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 23 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Aurora and this is how they responded. 22% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 78% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Aurora Affordable?

Is Aurora affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Aurora, the median home price is 74.4% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 47.6% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Aurora boasting a median household income of $67,723, 22.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Aurora?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Aurora, healthcare costs are 1.3% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Aurora, the transportation index is 4.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Aurora displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Aurora is 9% higher than the Colorado average
  • The cost of living in Aurora is 22% higher than the national average
  • Aurora housing is 66% higher than the national average
  • Colorado general sales tax is 43% lower than the national average
  • Colorado state income tax is 95% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Aurora

See all the best places to live around Aurora

Compare Aurora, CO Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$85,870$7,156$2,003$2,576
      Renters$49,041$4,087$1,144$1,471
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Aurora, CO, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Aurora homeowners, is $85,870. This would allow for a maximum of $2,003 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $49,041 which would result in a maximum of $1,144 to be spent on rental costs.

      Colorado Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Colorado 2.9% 10%

      Colorado Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Colorado 4.4% 4.4%

      Goods & Services

      Item Aurora National avg. Difference
      Haircut $26.81$24.2610.5%
      Beauty Salon $50.45$45.5610.7%
      Toothpaste $3.70$3.700.1%
      Shampoo $1.27$1.281.1%
      Movie $14.70$12.1321.1%
      Bowling $21.40$18.0018.9%

      Groceries

      Item Aurora National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.23$5.8410.4%
      Fried Chicken $1.40$1.5711.2%
      Milk $4.74$4.671.4%
      Potatoes $4.30$4.9312.9%
      Pizza $12.87$12.096.5%
      Beer $10.67$10.412.5%

      Health Care

      Item Aurora National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $121.38$125.683.4%
      Doctor $116.64$135.7814.1%
      Dentist $126.27$113.2911.5%
      Ibuprofen $10.88$10.652.1%
      Lipitor $447.94$468.604.4%

      Housing

      Item Aurora National avg. Difference
      Home Price $322,200.00$184,700.0074.4%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $3,151.90$2,346.6934.3%
      Apartment Rent $1,401.00$949.0047.6%

      Transportation

      Item Aurora National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.67$3.465.9%
      Tire Balancing $60.05$59.920.2%

      Utilities

      Item Aurora National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $145.02$193.9925.2%
      Phone $194.36$192.251.1%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Glendale CDP, CO781022.3%
      Lakeside, CO68514.8%
      Federal Heights, CO13,537919.4%
      North Washington, CO663954.5%
      Derby, CO9,1561065.9%
      Aurora, CO379,43412221.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bakersfield, CA379,87912120.6%
      Cleveland, OH383,3318317.4%
      Wichita, KS390,566927.9%
      New Orleans, LA391,2491066.0%
      Tampa, FL395,9121077.5%
      Aurora, CO379,43412221.6%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.