Is Aurora, CO cheaper than Sacramento, CA?

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

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

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

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

Housing in Aurora, CO is 11.3% cheaper than in Sacramento, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Aurora, CO compared to $2,180/month in Sacramento, CA.

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

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

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

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Sacramento, 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 Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, 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.

Sacramento, CA

Population:525K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$460K

Aurora, CO

Population:395K

Cost Index:

(6% below avg)

Median Home:$431K

Sacramento, CA

The Golden State

525K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 525K 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: Sacramento, CA vs Aurora, CO

Category	Sacramento, CA	Aurora, CO	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,664/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $416less	11.3%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $40.98more	2.9%
Other	$1,808/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $33.48less	1.9%
Groceries	$1,059/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $29.98less	2.8%
Healthcare	$620/mo	$632/mo	↑ $12.39more	2.0%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$519/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.1%

Housing

↓ 11.3%

Sacramento, CA

$3,664

Aurora, CO

$3,248

Difference

$416

less

Transportation

↑ 2.9%

Sacramento, CA

$1,421

Aurora, CO

$1,462

Difference

$40.98

Other

↓ 1.9%

Sacramento, CA

$1,808

Aurora, CO

$1,774

Difference

$33.48

less

Groceries

↓ 2.8%

Sacramento, CA

$1,059

Aurora, CO

$1,029

Difference

$29.98

less

Healthcare

↑ 2.0%

Sacramento, CA

$620

Aurora, CO

$632

Difference

$12.39

All Utilities

↓ 2.1%

Sacramento, CA

$530

Aurora, CO

$519

Difference

$10.93

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Sacramento, 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$1,690

To$1,685

↓ $5.00

1 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,795

↑ $25.00

2 Bed

From$2,180

To$2,140

↓ $40.00

3 Bed

From$2,900

To$2,805

↓ $95.00

Sacramento, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,310/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.

$9,102

Monthly in Sacramento, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Aurora, CO

$437

Difference

Home Values

Sacramento

Aurora

$460K

Median Value

$431K

↓ -2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +18.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +18.4%

$352K - $969K

Price Range

$353K - $728K

Homes in Aurora are 6% less expensive than Sacramento

Calculate payment - Sacramento 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

Sacramento, 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

Sacramento, 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.