Aurora, CO vs Santa Rosa, CA: 130 vs 172

$1,759/mo ↓ 16%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 18%

$84,320/yr ↓ 13%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 16%

$444,500 ↓ 35%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 54%

$1,762/mo ↓ 17%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 21%

390,201

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $13,090/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Aurora or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Aurora and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $325/month.

Which city has higher income, Aurora or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $13,090/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Aurora

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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