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

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Irvine

California
256

Aurora is 49% cheaper than Irvine.

$1,759/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 64%
$84,320/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 54%
$444,500 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 151%
$1,762/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 65%
390,201
Population
308,160

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,134/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $13,608/year.

Median household income is $45,327/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Irvine — common questions

Is Aurora or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Irvine?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,134/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Irvine?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $45,327/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Irvine details →

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