Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Aurora, CO (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

Portland is 6% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,596/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 10%
$88,792/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$84,320/yr ↓ 5%
$557,600 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$444,500 ↓ 20%
$1,771/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ≈ Same
642,715
Population
390,201

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $4,472/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Aurora — common questions

Is Portland or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Aurora?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Aurora?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $4,472/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Colorado?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Aurora details →

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