Is Aurora, CO cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Aurora, CO is 23.6% cheaper than San Diego, CA. This translates to saving $1771 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $128,750 in Aurora, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Aurora, CO is 37.8% cheaper than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Aurora, CO compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

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

Moving from San Diego, CA to Aurora, CO could save you approximately $1771 per month, or $21250 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.8K/month moving to Aurora, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $128.7K in Aurora, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 23.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,771

Savings

Annual Impact

$21.3K

Per year

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$980K

Aurora, CO

Population:395K

Cost Index:

(24% below avg)

Median Home:$431K

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

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: San Diego, CA vs Aurora, CO

Category	San Diego, CA	Aurora, CO	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,223/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $1,975less	37.8%
Other	$1,892/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $117less	6.2%
All Utilities	$634/mo	$519/mo	↓ $115less	18.1%
Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $109less	7.0%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.6%
Healthcare	$638/mo	$632/mo	↓ $6.20less	1.0%

Housing

↓ 37.8%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Aurora, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,975

less

Other

↓ 6.2%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Aurora, CO

$1,774

Difference

$117

less

All Utilities

↓ 18.1%

San Diego, CA

$634

Aurora, CO

$519

Difference

$115

less

Transportation

↓ 7.0%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Aurora, CO

$1,462

Difference

$109

less

Groceries

↓ 4.6%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Aurora, CO

$1,029

Difference

$49.96

less

Healthcare

↓ 1.0%

San Diego, CA

$638

Aurora, CO

$632

Difference

$6.20

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Diego, 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$2,565

To$1,685

↓ $880

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$1,795

↓ $960

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$2,140

↓ $1,220

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$2,805

↓ $1,670

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Aurora, CO

$2,372

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Aurora

$980K

Median Value

$431K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +18.4%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$353K - $728K

Homes in Aurora are 56% less expensive than San Diego

Calculate payment - San Diego 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

San Diego, 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

San Diego, 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.