City Comparison
Loveland vs Aurora
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Loveland scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Loveland
Aurora
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Aurora is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
5% lower than in Loveland.
| Metric | Loveland | Aurora | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,700 | $1,715 | -1% |
| Groceries | $420 | $355 | +18% |
| Utilities | $180 | $355 | -49% |
| Transport | $115 | $88 | +31% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,655 | $2,513 | +6% |
| Cost Index | 102 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Loveland offers 10% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Loveland delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Loveland is estimated at
$58,000 vs $41,621 in Aurora.
| Metric | Loveland | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $61,855 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $41,621 |
| Purchasing Power | 66,667 idx | 60,053 idx |
| Household Income | $84,604 | $93,837 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Loveland runs warmer on average — a 51°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Loveland comes out ahead with 285 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Loveland sees 27.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Loveland | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 83.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 17.40°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 17.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 27.40 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 285 | |
| Humidity | 52.00% | 50.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Loveland has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Aurora.
Loveland scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Loveland leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Loveland | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 29 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | 43.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 43.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Aurora is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Loveland.
From a growth perspective, Loveland is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Aurora has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Loveland | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 81,387 | 418,218 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.42% | 1.40% |
| Median Age | 40.7 | 35.3 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 3.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Loveland
Advantages
Median home sale prices in Loveland sit roughly $100,000 below neighboring Larimer County peaks, offering better relative value per square foot.
Abundant access to public art, highlighted by the world-famous Benson Sculpture Garden and cultural events.
Proximity to premier outdoor destinations including Boyd Lake State Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
A revitalized downtown district anchored by The Foundry, featuring local dining, craft breweries, and entertainment.
Strong local job growth across manufacturing, healthcare, and trade sectors supported by the I-25 corridor economy.
Drawbacks
Housing affordability has tightened significantly following rapid regional appreciation over recent years.
High car dependency limits practical car-free commuting and public transit utility outside peak corridors.
Winter weather brings occasional heavy snowfall and sub-freezing temperatures requiring winterized infrastructure.
Proximity to major metropolitan job centers can result in heavy commuter traffic during peak hours along I-25.
Limited high-end nightlife or late-night entertainment options compared to larger urban centers like Denver.
Aurora
Advantages
Aurora boasts a diverse and growing population, with a projected 418,218 residents in 2026.
The city is a major healthcare hub, home to the Anschutz Medical Campus and numerous hospitals, providing excellent medical access and employment.
Aurora offers abundant outdoor recreational opportunities with over 97 parks and 5,000 acres of open space and trails.
The average rent in Aurora is generally lower than in neighboring Denver, offering more affordable housing options.
The job market shows good growth, with a 1.71% employment increase in 2024, particularly in healthcare, retail, and construction sectors.
Drawbacks
Aurora has a significantly high crime rate, with an overall crime rate of 7,072 per 100,000 residents in 2024.
The city is largely car-dependent, with a low Walk Score of 43 and limited public transit options in many areas.
The cost of living in Aurora is slightly higher than the national average, with an index of 103.
Assisted living costs in Aurora are higher than both the state and national averages, at approximately $5,014 per month in 2024.
Healthcare costs are 19% higher than the national average, impacting overall affordability.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Loveland
#183Colorado, USA
64.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,700
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
102
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
285/yr
Avg Temp
51.00°F
Pop. Growth
1.42%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
77
Business
72
Aurora
#428Colorado, USA
56.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,715
Avg Salary
$61,855
Cost Index
103
Commute
29 min
Transit Score
43.0/100
Walkability
43.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
65
Business
70
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