Cost of living in Colorado
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Colorado are 3.1% above the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 103.1 (U.S. = 100), making it the #13 most expensive of 51 states and DC. Compare Colorado with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Colorado prices
- 5.8% cheaper
- Take-home in Colorado at $75,000
- $58,671$4,889 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $55,258$4,605 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +11.5%+$6,335 a year in Colorado buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Colorado take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Colorado with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Colorado as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Colorado? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Colorado prices by category
| Category | Colorado | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 103.1 | +3.1% |
| Goods | 98.7 | −1.3% |
| Housing (rent) | 127.4 | +27.4% |
| Utilities | 85.0 | −15.0% |
| Other services | 99.6 | −0.4% |
Housing is the main reason Colorado costs more: rents run 27% above average. The overall price level rose 1.2% relative to the nation versus 2023 (101.9). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Colorado, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,357 | $40,643 | $39,440 | $48,519 |
| $75,000 | $16,329 | $58,671 | $56,933 | $72,779 |
| $100,000 | $24,952 | $75,048 | $72,826 | $97,038 |
At $75,000, Colorado ranks #41 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Colorado paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Colorado equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Colorado. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Colorado once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | −10.1% | $67,459 | $62,965 |
| Nebraska | −12.6% | $65,576 | $63,640 |
| Kansas | −12.6% | $65,550 | $64,597 |
| Oklahoma | −14.8% | $63,931 | $62,342 |
| New Mexico | −10.5% | $67,111 | $64,975 |
| Utah | −4.1% | $71,952 | $71,591 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −15.6% | $63,272 | $61,094 |
| Mississippi | −15.6% | $63,283 | $61,026 |
| Iowa | −14.8% | $63,872 | $61,573 |
| California | +7.4% | $80,581 | $83,618 |
| Hawaii | +6.7% | $80,021 | $83,434 |
| Washington, DC | +6.6% | $79,985 | $82,240 |
| New Jersey | +5.6% | $79,187 | $80,423 |
| Texas | −5.8% | $70,637 | $66,058 |
| Florida | +0.4% | $75,263 | $71,140 |
| New York | +4.7% | $78,544 | $80,671 |
Moving from Colorado to a cheaper state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
Is Colorado expensive to live in?
Colorado has a price level of 103.1 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 3.1% above the national average. It ranks #39 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Colorado?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $77,289 in Colorado before taxes. After Colorado taxes, $75,000 takes home $58,671 — worth $56,933 at U.S.-average prices, #41 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Colorado?
Colorado's housing price level is 127.4, meaning rents are 27.4% above the national average. Goods are 98.7 and utilities 85.0.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Oklahoma (price level 87.8, −14.8% vs Colorado). A $75,000 Colorado salary is equivalent to $62,342 there after taxes.
Your business here? Sponsor this calculator from $19/week. See placements
Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.