Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Aurora is 5% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,759/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 6%
$84,320/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$83,598/yr ≈ Same
$444,500 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 23%
$1,762/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 4%
390,201
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.4%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $722/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Aurora or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $722/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Colorado?
Both cities are in Colorado and share the same state tax rates: 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Fort Collins details →

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