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

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

Aurora is 20% cheaper than Santa Ana.

$1,759/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↑ 12%
$84,320/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↑ 5%
$444,500 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$657,800 ↑ 48%
$1,762/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↑ 12%
390,201
Population
311,639

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $4,034/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Aurora or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Santa Ana?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $4,034/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,975/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Santa Ana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Santa Ana

Aurora vs. Tampa Aurora vs. New Orleans Aurora vs. Arlington Aurora vs. Cleveland Aurora vs. Wichita Aurora vs. Honolulu Santa Ana vs. Orlando Santa Ana vs. Cincinnati Santa Ana vs. Riverside Santa Ana vs. Irvine Santa Ana vs. Corpus Christi Santa Ana vs. St. Paul