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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

San Francisco is 105% more expensive than Aurora.

$2,419/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↓ 27%
$141,446/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$84,320/yr ↓ 40%
$1,380,500 ↑ 211%
Home Value
$444,500 ↓ 68%
$2,620/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ↓ 33%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $660/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $7,920/year.

Median household income is $57,126/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Aurora — common questions

Is San Francisco or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Aurora?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $660/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Aurora?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $57,126/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Aurora details →

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