Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Aurora is 11% more expensive than Salt Lake City.

$1,759/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 24%
$84,320/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 11%
$444,500 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 12%
$1,762/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 21%
390,201
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.65%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $416/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $4,992/year.

Median household income is $9,395/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Aurora or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $416/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $9,395/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Utah?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Salt Lake City

Aurora vs. Tampa Aurora vs. New Orleans Aurora vs. Arlington Aurora vs. Cleveland Aurora vs. Wichita Aurora vs. Honolulu Salt Lake City vs. Columbus Salt Lake City vs. Little Rock Salt Lake City vs. Worcester Salt Lake City vs. McKinney Salt Lake City vs. Cape Coral Salt Lake City vs. Augusta