Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Aurora is 21% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,759/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 9%
$84,320/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 27%
$444,500 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 60%
$1,762/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 4%
390,201
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
2.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $151/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $1,812/year.

Median household income is $23,052/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Aurora or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $151/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $23,052/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Arizona?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Scottsdale

Aurora vs. Tampa Aurora vs. New Orleans Aurora vs. Arlington Aurora vs. Cleveland Aurora vs. Wichita Aurora vs. Honolulu Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk