Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Aurora, CO (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

Raleigh is 15% cheaper than Aurora.

$1,468/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 20%
$82,424/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$84,320/yr ↑ 2%
$377,800 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$444,500 ↑ 18%
$1,487/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ↑ 18%
470,763
Population
390,201

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $1,896/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Aurora — common questions

Is Raleigh or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Aurora?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Aurora?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $1,896/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Colorado?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Aurora details →

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