Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Aurora is 97% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,759/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 44%
$84,320/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 34%
$444,500 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 58%
$1,762/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 43%
390,201
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $781/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $9,372/year.

Median household income is $29,041/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Aurora or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and St. Louis?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $781/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or St. Louis?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $29,041/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Missouri?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with rent of $978/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View St. Louis details →

More Comparisons

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