Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Aurora is 36% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,759/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 29%
$84,320/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 66%
$444,500 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 95%
$1,762/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 37%
390,201
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $516/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $6,192/year.

Median household income is $55,840/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Arlington — common questions

Is Aurora or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Arlington?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $516/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Arlington?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $55,840/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Virginia?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Arlington details →

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