Colorado · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Aurora, CO

The median household in Aurora, CO earns $88,368 a year ($7,364/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $2,089/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $83,560 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 5.8% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$88,368$7,364 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$2,089HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)105.8+5.8% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate17.1¢per kWh · EIA Residential CO
Census Population394,432Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Aurora, CO

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$2,089Monthly market rent
Share of gross income28.4%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$83,560To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$2,209At 30% of $88,368
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Aurora, CO

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Aurora, CO
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,643$19,716$65,72022.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,754$21,048$70,16023.8%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$2,089$25,068$83,56028.4%
3-Bedroom Home$2,734$32,808$109,36037.1%
4-Bedroom Home$3,049$36,588$121,96041.4%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Aurora, CO →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Aurora, CO

Based on the local median household income of $88,368/year ($7,364/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,682/moRent ($2,089 2-BR), utilities (~$154/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$2,209/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 105.8 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,473/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Colorado

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Colorado state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$88,368
$35,000$180,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$88,368
Net 77%
Fed 12%
CO 4%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$67,817After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,651Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,608Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate23.3%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$10,611 / yr
Colorado state income tax$3,180 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$6,760 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Colorado with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Aurora, CO

What is the median household income in Aurora, CO?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Aurora, CO is $88,368 per year (approximately $7,364 per month).

What is the average rent in Aurora, CO?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Aurora, CO are $1,643 for a studio, $1,754 for 1 bedroom, $2,089 for 2 bedrooms, $2,734 for 3 bedrooms, and $3,049 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Aurora, CO compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Aurora, CO is 105.8 (5.8% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Aurora, CO?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($2,089/month) in Aurora, CO requires a minimum gross household income of $83,560 per year ($6,963 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Aurora, CO?

For a typical household earning the median income of $88,368/year ($7,364/month) in Aurora, CO, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,682/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,209/month to discretionary spending, and $1,473/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Aurora, CO?

Residential electricity rates in Colorado average 17.1¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $154 per month.