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

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Aurora is 62% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,759/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 74%
$84,320/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 116%
$444,500 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 309%
$1,762/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 71%
390,201
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,306/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $15,672/year.

Median household income is $97,542/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Aurora or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,306/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $97,542/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Sunnyvale

Aurora vs. Tampa Aurora vs. New Orleans Aurora vs. Arlington Aurora vs. Cleveland Aurora vs. Wichita Aurora vs. Honolulu Sunnyvale vs. Springfield Sunnyvale vs. Hollywood Sunnyvale vs. Kansas City Sunnyvale vs. Roseville Sunnyvale vs. Killeen Sunnyvale vs. Charleston