Salary And Cost Of Living In Aurora CO

Aurora, Colorado, continues to attract professionals, families, and relocating retirees who are drawn to its proximity to Denver, strong job market, and diverse neighborhoods. Understanding the salary expectations and cost of living in Aurora, CO is essential for anyone considering a move or career change in the area. From average wages and housing prices to school quality and neighborhood options, the following guide provides a comprehensive look at what it really costs to live comfortably in Aurora, Colorado.

Average Salary In Aurora CO

The job market in Aurora, CO is closely tied to the broader Denver metropolitan economy, with strong employment opportunities in health care, aerospace, education, retail, and public service. While specific salaries vary by occupation and experience level, residents can typically expect earnings that are competitive with other Front Range communities.

Below is an illustrative overview of average annual salaries in Aurora, Colorado by job category:

Job Category (Aurora, CO)	Approximate Average Annual Salary
Registered Nurse	$80,000 – $95,000
Public School Teacher	$55,000 – $70,000
Software Developer / IT Professional	$95,000 – $120,000
Retail Manager	$50,000 – $65,000
Administrative / Office Support	$40,000 – $55,000
Skilled Trades (Electrician, Plumber, etc.)	$55,000 – $75,000

Across all professions, a commonly cited estimate for the median household income in Aurora, CO falls around the mid-$70,000s, though this can fluctuate by neighborhood, educational attainment, and career field. When comparing offers, job seekers should weigh salary figures against housing, transportation, and childcare costs, which can vary significantly from one part of the city to another.

Cost Of Living In Aurora CO

The cost of living in Aurora, Colorado is generally slightly higher than the national average, largely due to housing and transportation costs. However, it is often more affordable than central Denver and some of the more affluent suburbs on the west side of the metro area, making Aurora an attractive option for those seeking urban access with a bit more value.

Below is a simplified cost-of-living comparison chart for Aurora, CO versus the U.S. average (indexed to 100):

Cost Category	Aurora, CO Index	U.S. Average Index
Overall Cost Of Living	110	100
Housing	120	100
Groceries	103	100
Transportation	108	100
Health Care	98	100
Utilities	95	100

Residents should note that while some categories such as utilities and health care are close to or slightly below national averages, housing and transportation tend to push overall costs higher. Commuters who work in Denver may spend more on gas or light-rail passes, but living in Aurora can still provide a net savings compared with renting or buying closer to downtown Denver.

Average Home Values And Rents In Aurora CO

Housing costs in Aurora, CO can vary widely by neighborhood, age of home, and proximity to major corridors like I-225 and E-470. Generally speaking, Aurora offers a mix of older, more affordable properties and newer developments with higher price tags. Whether you are buying or renting, it is crucial to understand what you can expect in terms of home values and apartment rents in Aurora.

Below is a general snapshot of average home prices and rents in Aurora, Colorado by property type:

Property Type (Aurora, CO)	Typical Price / Rent Range
Single-Family Home (Median Value)	$500,000 – $550,000
Townhome / Condo (Median Value)	$350,000 – $425,000
One-Bedroom Apartment (Monthly Rent)	$1,500 – $1,850
Two-Bedroom Apartment (Monthly Rent)	$1,900 – $2,300
Three-Bedroom Single-Family Rental	$2,400 – $2,900

To better visualize how housing costs compare with income levels in Aurora, CO, consider the following simple chart, which contrasts median home values with estimated median household income:

Metric (Aurora, CO)	Estimated Amount
Median Household Income	$70,000 – $80,000
Median Home Value	$500,000 – $550,000
Home Price To Income Ratio (Approx.)	6.5 – 7.5

This ratio suggests that homeownership in Aurora, CO can be challenging for first-time buyers, particularly without a significant down payment. Working with a local Aurora real estate agent and exploring first-time homebuyer programs can be an important part of making a purchase financially sustainable.

Best Neighborhoods In Aurora CO

Aurora spans a large geographic area, and its neighborhoods are diverse in both character and price. From master-planned communities on the eastern edge of the city to established, tree-lined streets closer to Denver, each area offers a distinct lifestyle and cost structure. When evaluating the best neighborhoods in Aurora, CO, prospective residents should consider commute times, school performance, nearby amenities, and housing stock.

Here is a high-level overview of several popular Aurora neighborhoods and districts:

Neighborhood (Aurora, CO)	Notable Features	Typical Home Price Range
Southlands / Tallyn’s Reach Area	Newer homes, access to Southlands Mall, strong schools, family-friendly amenities	$600,000 – $900,000+
Saddle Rock / Heritage Eagle Bend	Golf course communities, 55+ options, larger homes, convenient E-470 access	$550,000 – $850,000+
Meadow Hills / Heather Ridge	Condo and townhome mix, golf course access, near light-rail and I-225	$325,000 – $550,000
Aurora Highlands / Chambers Heights	More affordable single-family homes, established neighborhoods, diverse community	$400,000 – $550,000
Central Aurora (Near Fitzsimons / Anschutz)	Proximity to major medical campus, mix of older homes and newer infill	$375,000 – $600,000

In addition to these established areas, newer master-planned communities in east Aurora continue to add housing options and amenities. As the city grows, it is wise to research not only current prices but also future development plans, which can influence both property values and daily quality of life.

Schools And Education In Aurora CO

Education is a central consideration for many families evaluating the cost of living in Aurora, CO. The city is primarily served by Aurora Public Schools (APS) and parts of the highly regarded Cherry Creek School District (CCSD). School quality can influence both neighborhood desirability and home prices, so it is important to look closely at specific attendance zones when choosing where to live.

Below is an overview of key school districts and educational options in Aurora, Colorado:

District / School Type (Aurora, CO)	General Characteristics
Aurora Public Schools (APS)	Diverse student population, a range of magnet and specialized programs, ongoing investment in facilities and achievement
Cherry Creek School District (CCSD)	Consistently high test scores, sought-after by families, includes several Aurora neighborhoods in its boundaries
Charter Schools	Multiple charter options offering STEM-focused, college-prep, and arts-focused curricula
Higher Education	Near Anschutz Medical Campus, Community College of Aurora, and easy access to metro Denver universities

Families relocating to Aurora should carefully review school ratings, visit campuses when possible, and confirm boundary lines, since being within a particular school district can significantly impact both rent and home prices. Additionally, Aurora’s growing higher-education presence supports strong employment in health care, research, and allied professions, which in turn influences local salary levels.

Living Comfortably In Aurora CO

Balancing salary, housing costs, and lifestyle expenses in Aurora, CO requires careful planning, but many residents find that the city offers a compelling mix of opportunity and value compared with other Front Range communities. Average salaries are competitive, the cost of living is manageable relative to nearby Denver, and a wide variety of neighborhoods and schools allows households to tailor their choices to their priorities and budget.

Whether you are evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or simply exploring the real estate market in Aurora, Colorado, it is helpful to map out your anticipated income and expenses, research specific neighborhoods, and consider long-term goals. By aligning your career prospects, housing decisions, and educational needs, you can position yourself to thrive in Aurora, CO and make the most of everything this growing city has to offer.