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Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs New York, NY

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

29.5% New York, NY is more expensive overall
47.7% 47.7% more expensive housing
14.9% 14.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 47.7% more
Denver
132
New York
195
🛒 Groceries 14.9% more
Denver
101
New York
116
🚗 Transportation 23.8% more
Denver
105
New York
130
🏥 Healthcare 10.6% more
Denver
104
New York
115
⚡ Utilities 16.7% more
Denver
96
New York
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO New York, NY Difference
Overall Cost Index11214529.5% more
Housing13219547.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$3,20097.5% more
Median Home Price$540,000$750,00038.9% more
Groceries10111614.9% more
Transportation10513023.8% more
Healthcare10411510.6% more
Utilities9611216.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO New York, NY
State Income Tax4.40%10.90% (top)
State Sales Tax2.90%4.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%1.40%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
Median household income
New York, NY
$115,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in New York outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in New York to maintain your Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs New York (145). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
New York5.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
New York2.8%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
New YorkFinance, Media, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
New York41 min
Walk Score
Denver61
New York89
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
New York48
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
New York55°F
Population
Denver713,252
New York8,258,035

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver and New York → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in New York →

Compare Other Cities

Denver vs Austin → Denver vs Nashville → Denver vs Raleigh → New York vs Portland → New York vs Phoenix → New York vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver or New York cheaper to live in?+
Denver is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 47.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs New York?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $3,200/month in New York — a difference of about $1,580 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or New York?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. New York has a state income tax of 10.90% (top) and sales tax of 4.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Denver to New York?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 compared to $115,000 in New York. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Denver vs New York?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $750,000 in New York — a difference of $210,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while New York averages 1.40%.