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

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Aurora is 23% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,759/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 24%
$84,320/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 45%
$444,500 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 36%
$1,762/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 26%
390,201
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $421/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $5,052/year.

Median household income is $37,909/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Aurora or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $421/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $37,909/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Elk Grove

Aurora vs. Tampa Aurora vs. New Orleans Aurora vs. Arlington Aurora vs. Cleveland Aurora vs. Wichita Aurora vs. Honolulu Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem