Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Aurora, CO (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

Austin is 3% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,655/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 6%
$91,461/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$84,320/yr ↓ 8%
$512,700 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$444,500 ↓ 13%
$1,747/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ≈ Same
967,862
Population
390,201

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $104/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $1,248/year.

Median household income is $7,141/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Aurora — common questions

Is Austin or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Aurora?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $104/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Aurora?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $7,141/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Colorado?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Aurora details →

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