Urblytica 30 days free banner
Urblytica - Free Event Listing
List Business List Event

Aurora, Colorado

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

57
Overall Score

Aurora, Colorado, is a sprawling and diverse city situated just east of Denver, serving as a significant economic and cultural hub in the Front Range Urban Corridor. Originally platted as Fletcher in 1891, it was later renamed Aurora and has experienced substantial growth, particularly after World War II. The city is known for its expansive suburban character, offering a blend of residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and vast open spaces. People are drawn to Aurora for its relative affordability compared to its larger neighbor, Denver, its access to major employment centers, and its proximity to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the Rocky Mountains. The community is characterized by its cultural diversity, with a wide array of ethnic restaurants, shops, and community events that reflect its multicultural population.

About Colorado

Colorado is characterized by its diverse geography, ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Eastern Plains, offering a lifestyle that blends natural beauty with community charm and extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. The state's economy is robust and diversified, with major industries including aerospace, bioscience, technology, energy and natural resources, financial services, and a strong tourism sector. Living in Colorado is generally more expensive than the national average, with housing costs being a primary driver. The climate is diverse, featuring four distinct seasons with abundant sunshine, though it can experience rapid weather shifts, including hot summers, cold winters, and occasional extreme weather events like flash floods and strong winds.

418,218
Population
$62K
Avg Salary
103
Cost Index
56.7
Quality Score
How this 57/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 45 / 100 45.0 30% 13.5
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 103.0 40.0 25% 10.0
Economy & jobs Median household income: $93,837 Income needed to live here: $41,621 Unemployment rate: 3.9% 88.1 20% 17.6
Growth Population growth rate: 1.4% Job growth rate: 1.71% 57.1 15% 8.6
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 70.0 10% 7.0
Overall score 56.7

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 3 (deep think), q=78), last refreshed 22 August 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Aurora

Featured local businesses in Aurora.

Put your business in front of people moving to Aurora Featured businesses appear here for everyone researching Aurora. Add a featured spot to your banner package, or start with a free listing.

Quality Scores

Business
70
Livability
65
Affordability
90
Growth
72

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Aurora, Colorado, is generally considered to be slightly higher than the national average, with an index of 103. While housing expenses are reported to be 5% lower than the national average, and utility prices are 13% lower, grocery prices are about 2% higher. Transportation expenses, including gas prices and bus fares, are approximately 2% lower than the national average. However, healthcare costs in Aurora are notably higher, estimated to be 19% above the national average. These factors contribute to a cost of living that, while more affordable than Denver, still requires careful budgeting for residents.

Average Rent
$1,715/mo
Groceries
$355/mo
Transport
$88/mo
Utilities
$355/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$34.00
Monthly groceries
$355.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$183.00

Salary Insights

Aurora's economy is robust and diverse, employing a significant workforce across various sectors. In 2024, the city's employment grew at a rate of 1.71%, with approximately 209,000 employees. The leading industries in Aurora include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Construction, which collectively employ a large number of residents. The education and health services industry is a major employer, with the Anschutz Medical Campus being a significant economic driver. The annual average wage for an Aurora-based job was $77,330.55 in 2025. Remote work has also seen a significant increase, with more than 16% of Aurora workers working from home, a figure that has tripled since 2019.

The average salary in Aurora is $61,855 per year. You would need approximately $41,621 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade Construction Professional & Business Services Health Care & Social Assistance Education Services

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
50.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Transportation in Aurora is largely car-dependent, with over two-thirds of workers driving alone to their jobs. The average commute time for residents is approximately 29 minutes. While public transportation options exist, with a Transit Score of 43, they are considered somewhat limited for extensive city-wide travel. The city has a Walk Score of 43, indicating that most errands require a car, though some neighborhoods, like City Center, offer better walkability. A Bike Score of 55 suggests some bike infrastructure is available. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) provides bus and light rail services, with a monthly pass costing $88 in 2024.

29 min
Avg Commute
43.00/10
Transit Score
43.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

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.

Questions about Aurora

What people ask about living in and moving to Aurora, Colorado.

How are the public schools in Aurora rated? Schools & Education 1 answer

Aurora’s public schools vary across the district, with some schools receiving above-average ratings and others performing at the state average. The district’s official website provides detailed performance reports, school ratings, and enrollment data. Visiting schools and speaking with parents can also give a clearer picture.

What healthcare facilities are in Aurora? Healthcare 1 answer

Aurora hosts several hospitals and specialty clinics that provide a range of services from primary care to advanced treatments. The city’s health department website lists facility locations, services offered, and patient reviews. For specific medical needs, consult the department’s directory or ask your insurance provider.

What should I know about moving into Aurora from out of state? Moving Here 1 answer

When moving to Aurora, consider the higher cost of living and the need to find suitable housing within your budget. Check local rental listings early, budget for a higher rent of around $1,715/month, and research neighborhoods for safety and commute times. It’s also helpful to connect with local community groups online to learn about the area’s culture and resources.

What’s the overall vibe of living in Aurora? General 1 answer

Aurora blends suburban neighborhoods with urban amenities. You’ll find quiet residential streets alongside shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural venues. The city’s diverse population and proximity to Denver give residents a mix of relaxed living and easy access to city life. Visiting different parts of Aurora can give you a feel for the various community styles.

What’s the average salary for a software engineer in Aurora? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

The average salary in Aurora is $61,855 per year. While this is a city-wide average, tech roles often earn above this figure. If your offer is close to or above the median, it’s competitive. For a detailed comparison, look at salary data from local job boards or industry reports.

What are the top outdoor activities in Aurora? Things to Do 1 answer

Aurora features numerous parks, trails, and recreational areas. You can explore local nature preserves, bike paths, and community gardens. The city’s parks and recreation department provides maps, event schedules, and trail difficulty ratings to help you choose the best outdoor experiences.

How does Aurora's cost of living compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Aurora’s cost of living index is 103, which means expenses are about 3% above the national average. Housing, groceries, and utilities are modestly higher, but overall the difference is not large. When planning a budget, adjust your rent and food costs upward by a few percent, but you’ll still find the city affordable compared to many other Colorado metros.

What’s the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Aurora? Housing 1 answer

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Aurora is $1,715 per month. This figure reflects the current market and can vary by neighborhood and building amenities. For the most accurate listings, check local rental sites or the city’s housing portal.

Is Aurora a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Aurora has a safety score of 45.0 out of 100, which is below the national average. Crime rates are higher in certain areas, especially near major transportation hubs. It’s wise to research neighborhood-specific crime statistics on the city’s public safety portal and talk to local residents for firsthand insight.

What public transportation options are available in Aurora? Getting Around 1 answer

Aurora is served by a regional transit authority that offers bus routes connecting to Denver and surrounding suburbs. There are also commuter rail lines that link the city to downtown Denver. Check the transit authority’s website for route maps, schedules, and fare information.

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Aurora? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

Get quotes from local pros in Aurora

Tell us what you need and we’ll pass it to companies that serve your area. It’s free, and there’s no obligation.

Compare Aurora with any city

See how it stacks up on cost, income, and quality of life.

Start Comparing

Sponsored