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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

Fresno is 22% cheaper than Aurora.

$1,324/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 33%
$66,804/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$84,320/yr ↑ 26%
$348,500 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$444,500 ↑ 28%
$1,391/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ↑ 27%
543,615
Population
390,201

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $435/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $5,220/year.

Median household income is $17,516/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Aurora — common questions

Is Fresno or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Aurora?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $435/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Aurora?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $17,516/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Aurora details →

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