Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Aurora is 40% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,759/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 25%
$84,320/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 4%
$444,500 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 35%
$1,762/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 24%
390,201
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.85%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $443/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $5,316/year.

Median household income is $3,447/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Rochester — common questions

Is Aurora or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Rochester?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $443/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Rochester?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $3,447/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Minnesota?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Rochester details →

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