It depends. Of course there are exceptions, but most community college classes are far less rigorous than high school AP classes (at least if the AP class is following the curriculum, and preparing you for the exam). In many high schools, the AP classes are also dual enrollment classes for anything ranging from the local community college to the flagship state U. Some high school students are able to take college classes at any nearby college (we were lucky enough to have six all within easy drive of our house, ranging from community college to prestigious LACs). But the answer to all of this is that you should take the most rigorous classes available to you at your high school. If you have the option of taking a college class or two or three at a college at low cost during high school, do so, again seeking out the most rigorous that you can manage.