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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

Sacramento and Aurora have a similar cost of living.

$1,694/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 4%
$83,753/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$84,320/yr ≈ Same
$484,600 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$444,500 ↓ 8%
$1,752/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ≈ Same
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $567/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Aurora — common questions

Is Sacramento or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Aurora?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Aurora?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $567/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 Sacramento or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Aurora details →

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