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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

Long Beach is 30% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,803/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↓ 2%
$83,969/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$84,320/yr ≈ Same
$762,200 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$444,500 ↓ 42%
$1,890/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ↓ 7%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $351/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Aurora — common questions

Is Long Beach or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Aurora?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Aurora?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $351/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 Long Beach or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Long Beach and Aurora

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