Denver, CO vs. Aurora, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Housing costs in Denver are a whopping 28% higher than in neighboring Aurora. This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison: Denver vs Aurora. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Denver vs Aurora in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
The median home price in Denver is $545,000 compared to just $425,000 in Aurora. Renting is also significantly cheaper in Aurora:
| Housing Type | Denver | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $2,100 | $1,650 |
| 3BR House (Monthly Mortgage*) | $2,600 | $2,050 |
*Assumes 20% down, 30-year fixed mortgage at 3.5% APR
🏆 Winner: Aurora
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with the average household paying around $180/month. In the winter, heating bills tend to be about 20% higher in Denver due to the colder temperatures.
Both cities offer “time of use” electricity plans that provide cheaper rates during off-peak hours. Taking advantage of these can lead to savings of $20-30/month.
🏆 Winner: Aurora
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are comparable in Denver and Aurora, with the average family of four spending around $1,100/month on food. Restaurant prices are about 5% higher in Denver.
For common goods and services like haircuts, gym memberships, and movie tickets, prices are nearly identical. The only notable difference is that cocktails at trendy Denver bars can easily cost $15+, while in Aurora the same drink might be $10-12.
🏆 Winner: Aurora
4. Taxes and Fees
Denver’s property tax rate is 0.56% vs 0.67% in Aurora. However, due to Denver’s higher home values, the typical Denver homeowner actually pays more in annual property taxes.
In Denver, HOA fees often include extras like landscaping, snow removal, and sometimes even cable/internet. Aurora HOA fees tend to be lower and cover fewer services. Both cities charge a 4.81% sales tax on most purchases.
🏆 Winner: Denver
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Denver | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR House) | $2,600 | $2,050 |
| Utilities | $200 | $180 |
| Groceries | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $180 | $160 |
| Taxes (Property) | $254 | $237 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,834 | $4,177 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Aurora offers more affordable housing and a lower overall cost of living, there are tradeoffs to consider:
- Denver is more walkable and bike-friendly, while Aurora is more car-dependent
- Denver has a wider variety of dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions
- Commuting from Aurora to downtown Denver takes 25-40 minutes in traffic
- Denver averages 5°F colder than Aurora in the winter due to its higher elevation
7. FAQ
- Is Denver more affordable than Aurora? No, Aurora has a lower cost of living across most major categories, especially housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Renting an apartment in Aurora is about 20% cheaper than in Denver.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? The typical home in Aurora costs over $100K less than in Denver as of 2025.
8. Conclusion
While both cities offer a high quality of life, Aurora comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison. Families looking to stretch their budget further will find significant savings on housing in Aurora. However, young professionals who value walkability and easy access to city amenities may prefer Denver despite the higher costs.
To dive deeper into budgeting as a Denver local, check out these Monthly Budget Examples for Denver Residents. Or for a broader look at expenses in the Mile High City, see our full Cost of Living in Denver (2025 Guide).