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

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Aurora is 94% more expensive than Independence.

$1,759/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 40%
$84,320/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 29%
$444,500 ↑ 167%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 63%
$1,762/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 41%
390,201
Population
121,944

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $698/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $8,376/year.

Median household income is $24,840/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Independence — common questions

Is Aurora or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Independence?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $698/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Independence?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $24,840/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 Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Independence

Aurora vs. Tampa Aurora vs. New Orleans Aurora vs. Arlington Aurora vs. Cleveland Aurora vs. Wichita Aurora vs. Honolulu Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor