Cost of Living: Orange, CA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Orange

California
206
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Orange is 36% more expensive than Arvada.

$2,252/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 20%
$116,945/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↓ 3%
$900,700 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$600,800 ↓ 33%
$2,394/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↓ 19%
138,723
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $3,549/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Arvada — common questions

Is Orange or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Arvada?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Arvada?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $3,549/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Orange details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Arvada

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence