Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Aurora, CO (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

Boston is 35% more expensive than Aurora.

$2,093/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↓ 16%
$94,755/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$84,320/yr ↓ 11%
$710,400 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$444,500 ↓ 37%
$2,176/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ↓ 19%
663,972
Population
390,201

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $334/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $4,008/year.

Median household income is $10,435/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Aurora — common questions

Is Boston or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Aurora?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $334/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Aurora?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $10,435/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Colorado?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Aurora details →

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