Is Denver, CO cheaper than Clifton, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 4.7% more expensive than Clifton, NJ. This translates to spending an extra $354 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Clifton, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Clifton, NJ, you'd need approximately $154,243.154 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Clifton, NJ and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 64.1% more expensive than in Clifton, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,910/month in Clifton, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Clifton, NJ to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $354 more per month than Clifton, NJ, or $4243 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Clifton, NJ vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Clifton, NJ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area

Current salary in Clifton, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $354/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.2K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↑ 4.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$354

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.2K

Per year

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

Clifton, NJ

Population:88K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$599K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$513K

Clifton, NJ

The Garden State

88K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 88K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Clifton, NJ vs Denver, CO

Category	Clifton, NJ	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,979/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,269more	64.1%
📦Other	$1,970/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $196less	9.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,555/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $92.91less	6.0%
⚡All Utilities	$587/mo	$519/mo	↓ $68.30less	11.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,084/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $54.82less	5.1%
🏥Healthcare	$678/mo	$632/mo	↓ $46.30less	6.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 64.1%

Clifton, NJ

$1,979

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,269

📦Other

↓ 9.9%

Clifton, NJ

$1,970

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$196

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.0%

Clifton, NJ

$1,555

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$92.91

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 11.6%

Clifton, NJ

$587

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$68.30

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.1%

Clifton, NJ

$1,084

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$54.82

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.8%

Clifton, NJ

$678

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$46.30

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Clifton, NJ has no local income tax.

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,463

To$1,720

↑ $257

1 Bed

From$1,666

To$1,840

↑ $174

2 Bed

From$1,910

To$2,190

↑ $280

3 Bed

From$2,331

To$2,870

↑ $539

Clifton, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,960–$2,280/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

💡 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.

$7,854

Monthly in Clifton, NJ

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$811

Difference

Home Values

Clifton

Denver

$599K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +3.3%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +44%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$574K - $639K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 14% less expensive than Clifton

Calculate payment - Clifton Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $831

Per year

Monthly Difference

$69.21

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

Clifton, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

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

Clifton, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.