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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

Oakland is 50% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,917/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↓ 8%
$97,369/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$84,320/yr ↓ 13%
$924,700 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$444,500 ↓ 52%
$2,164/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ↓ 19%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $158/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $1,896/year.

Median household income is $13,049/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Aurora — common questions

Is Oakland or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Aurora?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $158/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Aurora?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $13,049/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Aurora details →

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