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

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Aurora is 5% more expensive than Lancaster.

$1,759/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↓ 4%
$84,320/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 10%
$444,500 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 8%
$1,762/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ≈ Same
390,201
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $63/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $756/year.

Median household income is $8,237/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Aurora or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Lancaster?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $63/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Lancaster?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $8,237/year higher in Aurora.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Lancaster details →

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