Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Durham, NC (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Aurora is 24% more expensive than Durham.

$1,759/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 20%
$84,320/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 6%
$444,500 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 20%
$1,762/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 19%
390,201
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $347/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $4,164/year.

Median household income is $5,086/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Durham — common questions

Is Aurora or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Durham?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $347/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Durham?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $5,086/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and North Carolina?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Durham details →

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