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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Athens, AL โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Birmingham, AL area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.7K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $170.3K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 22.6%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,695
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$20.3K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Athens, AL

Population:31K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$244K

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:123
Median Home:$513K

Athens, AL

The Heart of Dixie

31K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 31K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Semi-arid

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขMile-high city (5,280 ft)
  • โ€ขOutdoor recreation hub
  • โ€ขMajor cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Athens, AL vs Denver, CO

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 63.8%
Athens, AL
$1,983
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,265
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 17.9%
Athens, AL
$1,240
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$222
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 9.3%
Athens, AL
$1,623
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$152
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 21.0%
Athens, AL
$522
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$110
more
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 5.6%
Athens, AL
$974
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$55.03
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†“ 5.5%
Athens, AL
$549
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$30.27
less

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Athens, AL has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$866
To$1,720
โ†‘ $854
1 Bed
From$1,000
To$1,840
โ†‘ $840
2 Bed
From$1,165
To$2,190
โ†‘ $1,025
3 Bed
From$1,495
To$2,870
โ†‘ $1,375
Athens, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $970โ€“$970/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620โ€“$2,540/mo

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,892
Monthly in Athens, AL
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$1,773
Difference

Home Values

Athens
Denver
$244K
Median Value
$513K
โ†“ -0.5%
YoY Change
โ†“ -4.2%
โ†‘ +32.2%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +13%
$244K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 111% more expensive than Athens

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†‘ $860
Per year
Monthly Difference
$71.67
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.6%
Rate difference

Athens, AL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Alabama State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,794/month
$105.5K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Colorado State Tax
Effective: 4.4%
$6.6K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.1%
$43.6K
Take-Home Pay
$8,866/month
$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Athens, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%
Property Tax:0.5%

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Athens
Denver
57 Moderate
Air Quality
55 Moderate
26%
Good Air Days
35.2%
98 High
Climate Risk
95 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
โ–ฒ+2.5ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
41 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days
โ–ฒ+2.5ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
41 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Alabama and Colorado on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

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