Littleton, CO vs. Aurora, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Housing costs in Aurora are a whopping 28% lower than in Littleton as of 2025. This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Littleton and Aurora. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of living in Littleton vs Aurora in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
The median home price in Littleton is $725,000 compared to $520,000 in Aurora. Renting is also more affordable in Aurora:
| Housing Type | Littleton | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $2,400 | $1,850 |
| 3BR House | $3,200 | $2,600 |
🏆 Winner: Aurora
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are similar between the two cities, with Littleton residents paying about 5% more per month on average:
- Littleton: $180-$250/month
- Aurora: $170-$240/month
Both cities experience cold winters and mild summers, so heating costs tend to be higher than cooling. Xcel Energy offers money-saving programs like time-of-use rates in both locations.
🏆 Winner: Aurora
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are comparable between Littleton and Aurora. Expect to spend around $400-500 per month for a family of two adults. Restaurant prices are about 10% higher in Littleton, especially for upscale dining.
🏆 Winner: Tie
4. Taxes and Fees
Littleton has slightly higher property taxes at a 0.56% rate vs 0.51% in Aurora. However, Aurora charges more in city service fees and sales taxes. Typical HOA fees range from $200-400/month in both cities, often including amenities like pools and fitness centers in Littleton.
🏆 Winner: Littleton
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Littleton | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $3,200 | $2,600 |
| Utilities | $220 | $200 |
| Groceries | $500 | $475 |
| Transportation | $200 | $180 |
| Taxes & Fees | $550 | $580 |
| Misc Costs | $400 | $350 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,070 | $4,385 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While more affordable, Aurora is a much larger, spread-out city compared to the quaint charm of Littleton. Commute times are longer in Aurora, but public transportation is more accessible. Littleton offers highly-rated schools and abundant parks and trails, ideal for families. Aurora averages 245 sunny days per year compared to Littleton’s 242.
7. FAQ
- Is Littleton more affordable than Aurora? No, Aurora has a lower overall cost of living, especially for housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Renting an apartment or house is about 20% cheaper in Aurora.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? The median home price in Aurora is over $200K less than in Littleton as of 2025.
8. Conclusion
Aurora offers a meaningfully lower cost of living than Littleton, largely due to more affordable housing costs. A household moving from Littleton to Aurora might save $400/month on housing alone. However, Littleton’s higher prices come with perks like top-notch schools, charming neighborhoods, and ample recreation. Young professionals may prefer Aurora’s lower rents and urban conveniences, while families will appreciate Littleton’s kid-friendly amenities and suburban feel. Be sure to check out our other cost of living guides for Littleton and sample monthly budgets to further inform your decision.