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Aurora vs Fort Collins: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Fort Collins is 2% more expensive than Aurora. Aurora is 2% safer. Aurora population: 410,053. Fort Collins population: 171,500.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingAurora
SafetyAurora
HousingAurora

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Aurora vs Fort Collins

Aurora is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 122 vs 125 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 3 index points.

CategoryAuroraFort Collins
Overall Index122125
Housing$3,115/moIndex: 175$3,204/moIndex: 180
Groceries$426/moIndex: 104$431/moIndex: 105
Transportation$371/moIndex: 106$368/moIndex: 105
Healthcare$336/moIndex: 105$333/moIndex: 104
Utilities$198/moIndex: 90$194/moIndex: 88

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Aurora vs Fort Collins

Aurora is 2% safer overall, with a crime rate of 24.4 per 1,000 residents vs Fort Collins's 25. Aurora earns a C+ safety grade compared to Fort Collins's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C+

Aurora

Colorado

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate24.4/1K
TrendStable
C+

Fort Collins

Colorado

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate25/1K
TrendStable
MetricAuroraFort Collins
Overall Crime Rate24.4/1K25/1K
Violent Crime Rate421.8460.2
Property Crime Rate2017.02043.6
Murder Rate6.18.6
Assault Rate284.7287.2
Robbery Rate87.9104.2
Burglary Rate214.6232.5
Theft Rate1264.91535.4
Vehicle Theft Rate182.8259.1

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Aurora, you have a 1 in 41 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 40 in Fort Collins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aurora cheaper than Fort Collins?
Aurora is 2% more affordable than Fort Collins, with a cost of living index of 122 vs 125 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $3,115/mo in Aurora vs $3,204/mo in Fort Collins.
Is Aurora safer than Fort Collins?
Aurora is 2% safer overall, with a crime rate of 24.4 per 1,000 residents vs Fort Collins's 25. Aurora earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Aurora or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora is safer (C+ grade). Aurora is more affordable (index 122 vs 125). Aurora has a population of 410,053 and Fort Collins has 171,500. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Aurora compared to Fort Collins?
Aurora has a population of 410,053 and Fort Collins has 171,500. Aurora is 139% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Aurora or Fort Collins?
Housing is cheaper in Aurora. Estimated monthly housing costs: Aurora $3,115/mo vs Fort Collins $3,204/mo. That's based on a housing index of 175 vs 180 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

C+
Aurora Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Fort Collins Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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