Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Aurora, CO (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

Washington is 32% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,900/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↓ 7%
$106,287/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$84,320/yr ↓ 21%
$724,600 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$444,500 ↓ 39%
$2,103/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ↓ 16%
672,079
Population
390,201

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $141/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $1,692/year.

Median household income is $21,967/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Aurora — common questions

Is Washington or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Aurora?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $141/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Aurora?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $21,967/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Colorado?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Aurora details →

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