Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Aurora is 48% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,759/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 21%
$84,320/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 29%
$444,500 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 204%
$1,762/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 33%
390,201
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $368/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $4,416/year.

Median household income is $24,238/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Aurora or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Berkeley?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $368/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Berkeley?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $24,238/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Berkeley details →

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