Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Aurora is 3% more expensive than Tacoma.

$1,759/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 9%
$84,320/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$83,857/yr ≈ Same
$444,500 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 2%
$1,762/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ≈ Same
390,201
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $162/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $1,944/year.

Median household income is $463/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Aurora or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Tacoma?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $162/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Tacoma?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $463/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Washington?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Tacoma details →

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