Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Aurora?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Aurora, you need to earn at least $79,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $78,685, which means the typical resident is $875 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 387,349

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,392	$4,640	$55,680	$-23,005
1 Bedroom	$1,651	$5,503	$66,040	$-12,645
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,989	$6,630	$79,560	+$875
3 Bedroom	$2,427	$8,090	$97,080	+$18,395
4 Bedroom	$2,984	$9,947	$119,360	+$40,675

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Aurora's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$78,685

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$79,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$875

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 30.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Aurora

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Aurora's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,967

Studio

$1,392/mo

1 BR

$1,651/mo

2 BR

$1,989/mo

3 BR

$2,427/mo

4 BR

$2,984/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Aurora.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Aurora's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Aurora

Renting in Aurora is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $875, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $1,392/month.

If you're relocating to Aurora, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,392–$1,651/month) unless your income exceeds $79,560. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $995/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Aurora is approximately $119,340. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Aurora, Colorado.

With a total population of 387,349, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 204,387 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $79,560 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

204,387

Active civilian employees in Aurora

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Aurora

What salary do I need to live in Aurora, Colorado?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Aurora under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $79,560. The median household income in Aurora is $78,685.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Aurora on $78,685?

The affordability verdict for Aurora is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 30.3%, meaning there's a $875 income gap.

What is the average rent in Aurora compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Aurora is $1,651/month. With a median household income of $78,685, residents spend approximately 30.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Aurora?

A studio in Aurora rents for approximately $1,392/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $55,680 to afford this.

Is Aurora considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $875 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Aurora is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $79,560 to the local median household income.

How Aurora Compares

Other cities in Colorado with salary requirements