Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Aurora, CO (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

Seattle is 51% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,998/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↓ 12%
$121,984/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$84,320/yr ↓ 31%
$912,100 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$444,500 ↓ 51%
$2,220/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ↓ 21%
741,440
Population
390,201

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $37,664/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Aurora — common questions

Is Seattle or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Aurora?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Aurora?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $37,664/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Colorado?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Aurora

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