Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Aurora is 14% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,759/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 2%
$84,320/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 34%
$444,500 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 35%
$1,762/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 11%
390,201
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.4%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $29,076/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Arvada — common questions

Is Aurora or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Arvada?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $43/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Arvada?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $29,076/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Colorado?
Both cities are in Colorado and share the same state tax rates: 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Arvada details →

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