F
26%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
66%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Aurora Colorado National
Cost of living126115100
Groceries107104100
Health care108107100
Housing166136100
Transportation106106100
Utilities112108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment112107100
Household Items106105100
Education & Childcare113111100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

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 126, making it 26% 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.

The cost of living in Aurora is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Aurora falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

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 66.2% 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?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 23 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Aurora. The results indicated that 22% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 78% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Aurora Affordable?

Is Aurora affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Aurora, for instance, where the median home price falls 73.9% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 48.2% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Aurora flaunting a median household income of $100,255, 23.3% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Aurora?

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Aurora, the groceries index is 6.6% higher than the national average.

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 6% higher than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Aurora, the housing index is 66.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Aurora cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

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 26% 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 69% 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

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Aurora?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Aurora?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Aurora poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$130,514$10,876$3,045$3,916
      Renters$72,530$6,044$1,692$2,176
      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 $130,514. This would allow for a maximum of $3,045 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $72,530 which would result in a maximum of $1,692 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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Glendale CDP, CO801099.1%
      Lakeside, CO69010.0%
      Federal Heights, CO14,024955.1%
      North Washington, CO676990.9%
      Derby, CO9,36511110.6%
      Aurora, CO393,10212625.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cleveland, OH391,3408118.9%
      Bakersfield, CA390,90912323.3%
      Wichita, KS398,457919.0%
      Tampa, FL403,92711414.5%
      Arlington, TX406,0651010.6%
      Aurora, CO393,10212625.9%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.