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

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Aurora and Palmdale have a similar cost of living.

$1,759/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↓ 1%
$84,320/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↓ 4%
$444,500 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$435,300 ↓ 2%
$1,762/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 4%
390,201
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,169/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Aurora or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Palmdale?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Palmdale?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $3,169/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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Palmdale

Aurora vs. Tampa Aurora vs. New Orleans Aurora vs. Arlington Aurora vs. Cleveland Aurora vs. Wichita Aurora vs. Honolulu Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona