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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

Houston is 32% cheaper than Aurora.

$1,313/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 34%
$62,894/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$84,320/yr ↑ 34%
$253,400 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$444,500 ↑ 75%
$1,316/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ↑ 34%
2,300,419
Population
390,201

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $446/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $5,352/year.

Median household income is $21,426/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Aurora — common questions

Is Houston or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Aurora?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $446/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Aurora?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $21,426/year higher in Aurora.
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 Houston or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Aurora details →

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