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

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Aurora is 113% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,759/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 41%
$84,320/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 45%
$444,500 ↑ 269%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 73%
$1,762/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 43%
390,201
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
10.9%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $720/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $8,640/year.

Median household income is $37,692/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $120,600 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 61 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 $1,039/month — a difference of $720/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Rochester?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $37,692/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and New York?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% 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 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Rochester details →

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