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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

San Diego is 52% more expensive than Aurora.

$2,223/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↓ 21%
$104,321/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$84,320/yr ↓ 19%
$848,500 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$444,500 ↓ 48%
$2,308/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ↓ 24%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $464/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $5,568/year.

Median household income is $20,001/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Aurora — common questions

Is San Diego or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Aurora?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $464/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Aurora?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $20,001/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

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