Question 1

Is Aurora or Denver cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Denver, CO is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $8/month less than in Aurora, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $2,089/mo in Aurora versus $2,089/mo in Denver.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Aurora vs Denver?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $84,500/year before tax in Aurora, CO and $84,500/year in Denver, CO — a difference of about $0. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Aurora or Denver cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Denver, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $11,530/month in Aurora and $11,167/month in Denver, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Aurora or Denver?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Denver costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Aurora51	Denver54
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,507	$4,499
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$11,530	$11,167
Salary for comfort	$84,500/yr	$84,500/yr
Typical rent	$2,089	$2,089
Median home value	$444,500	$586,700
Median household income	$84,320	$91,681
Unemployment	4.2%	4.1%
Housing score	35	30
Jobs score	40	44
Safety score	30	35
Climate score	74	74
Amenities score	47	64
Population	390.2K	713.7K
Summer high / winter low	88° / 17°	88° / 17°

Aurora, CO vs Denver, CO