Boulder, CO vs. Aurora, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Boulder vs Aurora. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Boulder vs Aurora in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Boulder and Aurora compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Boulder | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,400 | $1,950 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $950,000 | $650,000 |
🏆 Winner: Aurora. Housing costs are significantly lower in Aurora compared to Boulder, with savings of $300-450 per month on rent and $300K on home prices.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2BR apartment in both Boulder and Aurora.
One difference: Boulder has slightly higher water costs due to drought surcharges. Aurora residents can save by using the city’s off-peak electricity plan.
🏆 Winner: Aurora has a slight edge on utility costs, but the difference is minor compared to housing.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries, dining out, and everyday purchases cost about 5% more in Boulder than Aurora. Budget around $500 per month for groceries for a couple in Aurora, or $525 in Boulder.
Restaurant prices are nearly identical. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant runs about $70 in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Aurora, but only by a small margin. Your grocery and dining budget will be similar in either city.
Taxes and Fees
Colorado has a flat 4.4% income tax rate statewide. However, Boulder has higher property taxes (0.9% vs 0.7% in Aurora) and special city taxes that add up:
- Boulder charges a 0.3% transportation tax and 0.15% parks tax
- Aurora has no extra city taxes beyond sales tax
- Boulder has higher trash/recycling fees ($30-50/month vs $20 in Aurora)
🏆 Winner: Aurora. Expect to pay a few hundred dollars less per year in taxes and city fees living in Aurora.
Cost Summary
| Category | Boulder | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $2,400 | $1,950 |
| Utilities | $210 | $190 |
| Groceries | $525 | $500 |
| Transportation | $100 | $80 |
| Taxes & Fees | $300 | $250 |
| Misc Costs | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,035 | $3,470 |
Lifestyle Fit
While Aurora is clearly cheaper, cost isn’t the only factor. Consider how each city fits your lifestyle:
- Boulder has a compact downtown with great walkability. Aurora is more car-dependent.
- Aurora has an easy 25-minute train commute to Denver. Boulder is a 45+ minute drive in traffic.
- Boulder averages 20°F cooler in summer than Aurora.
- Aurora has larger housing with more space for the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulder more affordable than Aurora?
No, Aurora is more affordable. Housing costs about 20% less in Aurora, and taxes and fees are lower as well.
Which city has lower rent?
Aurora has lower rent, with 2BR apartments around $450 cheaper per month than in Boulder.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Aurora. The median price for a 3BR home is about $300,000 lower in Aurora than Boulder.
Conclusion
Aurora offers significant cost of living savings compared to Boulder, primarily on housing. A family moving from Boulder to Aurora could easily save $500+ per month.
However, Boulder’s compact layout, university amenities, and cooler climate may be worth the extra cost for some. Consider your budget, commute needs, and lifestyle priorities.
Carefully weigh cost of living factors using tools like this Monthly Budget Examples for Boulder Residents. Our Cost of Living in Boulder (2025 Guide) dives even deeper into expenses and lifestyle in Boulder.