Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Aurora is 62% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,759/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 39%
$84,320/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 24%
$444,500 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 40%
$1,762/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 37%
390,201
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $692/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $8,304/year.

Median household income is $19,832/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Columbia — common questions

Is Aurora or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Columbia?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $692/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Columbia?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $19,832/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Missouri?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Columbia details →

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