Aurora, CO vs. Stonecrest, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Denver suburbs? Housing costs in Aurora average a substantial $375 less per month than in nearby Stonecrest. This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Aurora and Stonecrest, perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real costs of these two cities in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
The median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Aurora is around $1,650, while in Stonecrest it’s closer to $2,025. Buying a typical 3-bedroom home will cost about $450,000 in Aurora compared to $525,000 in Stonecrest.
| Housing | Aurora | Stonecrest |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,650 | $2,025 |
| 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $525,000 |
🏆 Winner: Aurora
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Expect monthly utility bills around $180 in Aurora and $210 in Stonecrest. Both cities experience cold winters that can spike heating costs. Aurora offers more municipal utility programs like off-peak pricing to help manage expenses.
🏆 Winner: Aurora
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries run about 5% cheaper in Aurora than Stonecrest. A gallon of milk averages $3.50 in Aurora and $3.70 in Stonecrest. Eating out is also more affordable – a meal for two at a mid-range Aurora restaurant is around $60 versus $70 in Stonecrest.
🏆 Winner: Aurora
4. Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are 0.6% in Aurora compared to 0.7% in Stonecrest. Aurora also has lower city service fees and typical HOA dues that include amenities like trash and landscaping. Vehicle registration fees are similar between the two.
🏆 Winner: Aurora
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Aurora | Stonecrest |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,650 | $2,025 |
| Utilities | $180 | $210 |
| Groceries | $400 | $420 |
| Transportation | $75 | $60 |
| Taxes & Fees | $300 | $350 |
| Misc | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,855 | $3,315 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Aurora offers more affordable housing and living costs, but Stonecrest boasts a more walkable downtown area and slightly shorter average commute times. Summers are 5°F cooler on average in Stonecrest. Both are safe, family-friendly suburbs with great schools and recreation.
7. FAQ
- Is Aurora more affordable than Stonecrest? Yes, the cost of living is about 14% lower in Aurora.
- Which city has lower rent? Aurora has lower rent, with 2BR apartments around $375 cheaper per month.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Aurora, with a typical home costing $75K less than in Stonecrest.
8. Conclusion
While both cities provide a high quality of life, Aurora comes out ahead on affordability. It’s ideal for budget-conscious families, first-time homebuyers, and anyone seeking more space for their dollar. Stonecrest suits those prioritizing walkability and cooler summers. Be sure to check out our other cost of living guides for Aurora and sample monthly budgets to further inform your decision.
Aurora, CO vs. Stonecrest, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Denver suburbs? Housing costs in Aurora average a substantial $375 less per month than in nearby Stonecrest. This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Aurora and Stonecrest, perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real costs of these two cities in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
The median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Aurora is around $1,650, while in Stonecrest it’s closer to $2,025. Buying a typical 3-bedroom home will cost about $450,000 in Aurora compared to $525,000 in Stonecrest.
| Housing | Aurora | Stonecrest |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,650 | $2,025 |
| 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $525,000 |
🏆 Winner: Aurora
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Expect monthly utility bills around $180 in Aurora and $210 in Stonecrest. Both cities experience cold winters that can spike heating costs. Aurora offers more municipal utility programs like off-peak pricing to help manage expenses.
🏆 Winner: Aurora
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries run about 5% cheaper in Aurora than Stonecrest. A gallon of milk averages $3.50 in Aurora and $3.70 in Stonecrest. Eating out is also more affordable – a meal for two at a mid-range Aurora restaurant is around $60 versus $70 in Stonecrest.
🏆 Winner: Aurora
4. Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are 0.6% in Aurora compared to 0.7% in Stonecrest. Aurora also has lower city service fees and typical HOA dues that include amenities like trash and landscaping. Vehicle registration fees are similar between the two.
🏆 Winner: Aurora
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Aurora | Stonecrest |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,650 | $2,025 |
| Utilities | $180 | $210 |
| Groceries | $400 | $420 |
| Transportation | $75 | $60 |
| Taxes & Fees | $300 | $350 |
| Misc | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,855 | $3,315 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Aurora offers more affordable housing and living costs, but Stonecrest boasts a more walkable downtown area and slightly shorter average commute times. Summers are 5°F cooler on average in Stonecrest. Both are safe, family-friendly suburbs with great schools and recreation.
7. FAQ
- Is Aurora more affordable than Stonecrest? Yes, the cost of living is about 14% lower in Aurora.
- Which city has lower rent? Aurora has lower rent, with 2BR apartments around $375 cheaper per month.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Aurora, with a typical home costing $75K less than in Stonecrest.
8. Conclusion
While both cities provide a high quality of life, Aurora comes out ahead on affordability. It’s ideal for budget-conscious families, first-time homebuyers, and anyone seeking more space for their dollar. Stonecrest suits those prioritizing walkability and cooler summers. Be sure to check out our other cost of living guides for Aurora and sample monthly budgets to further inform your decision.