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

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Riverside

California
144

Aurora is 10% cheaper than Riverside.

$1,759/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↑ 3%
$84,320/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↑ 5%
$444,500 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$542,100 ↑ 22%
$1,762/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↑ 7%
390,201
Population
316,241

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $4,255/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Riverside — common questions

Is Aurora or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Riverside?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Riverside?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $4,255/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Riverside details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Riverside

Aurora vs. Tampa Aurora vs. New Orleans Aurora vs. Arlington Aurora vs. Cleveland Aurora vs. Wichita Aurora vs. Honolulu Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati