Is Aurora, CO cheaper than Riverside, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Aurora, CO is 6.0% cheaper than Riverside, CA. This translates to saving $449 per month.

What salary do I need in Aurora, CO to live like I do in Riverside, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Riverside, CA, you'd need approximately $144,615.385 in Aurora, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Riverside, CA and Aurora, CO?

Housing in Aurora, CO is 7.4% cheaper than in Riverside, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Aurora, CO compared to $2,400/month in Riverside, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Riverside, CA to Aurora, CO?

Moving from Riverside, CA to Aurora, CO could save you approximately $449 per month, or $5385 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Riverside, CA vs Aurora, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Riverside, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $449/month moving to Aurora, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.6K in Aurora, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$449

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Riverside, CA

Population:315K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$621K

Aurora, CO

Population:395K

Cost Index:

(6% below avg)

Median Home:$431K

Riverside, CA

The Golden State

315K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 315K residents.

Aurora, CO

The Centennial State

395K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 395K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Riverside, CA vs Aurora, CO

Category	Riverside, CA	Aurora, CO	Difference	Change
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $697less	32.3%
Housing	$3,508/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $260less	7.4%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$632/mo	↑ $80.54more	14.6%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.9%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$519/mo	↓ $38.25less	6.9%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%

Transportation

↓ 32.3%

Riverside, CA

$2,158

Aurora, CO

$1,462

Difference

$697

less

Housing

↓ 7.4%

Riverside, CA

$3,508

Aurora, CO

$3,248

Difference

$260

less

Healthcare

↑ 14.6%

Riverside, CA

$551

Aurora, CO

$632

Difference

$80.54

Other

↑ 2.9%

Riverside, CA

$1,724

Aurora, CO

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

All Utilities

↓ 6.9%

Riverside, CA

$557

Aurora, CO

$519

Difference

$38.25

less

Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Riverside, CA

$1,039

Aurora, CO

$1,029

Difference

$9.99

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Aurora, CO: Aurora Head Tax ($2/mo, negligible)$24.00/yr (0.0%)

Riverside, CA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,850

To$1,685

↓ $165

1 Bed

From$1,940

To$1,795

↓ $145

2 Bed

From$2,400

To$2,140

↓ $260

3 Bed

From$3,180

To$2,805

↓ $375

Riverside, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,670–$2,650/mo

Aurora, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,270/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$9,539

Monthly in Riverside, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Aurora, CO

$874

Difference

Home Values

Riverside

Aurora

$621K

Median Value

$431K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +34.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +18.4%

$550K - $748K

Price Range

$353K - $728K

Homes in Aurora are 31% less expensive than Riverside

Calculate payment - Riverside Calculate payment - Aurora

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$336

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

Riverside, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Aurora, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Riverside, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Aurora, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.