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

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Downey

California
169

Aurora is 23% cheaper than Downey.

$1,759/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 8%
$84,320/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 4%
$444,500 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 64%
$1,762/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 13%
390,201
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $133/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $1,596/year.

Median household income is $3,080/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Downey — common questions

Is Aurora or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Downey?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $133/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Downey?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $3,080/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Downey details →

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