Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Aurora is 59% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,759/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 26%
$84,320/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 28%
$444,500 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 48%
$1,762/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 35%
390,201
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $23,373/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Aurora or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Lakeland?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Lakeland?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $23,373/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Florida?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Lakeland

Aurora vs. Tampa Aurora vs. New Orleans Aurora vs. Arlington Aurora vs. Cleveland Aurora vs. Wichita Aurora vs. Honolulu Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon