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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Columbus, IN โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Indianapolis, IN area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.3K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $177.9K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 31.0%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$2,322
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$27.9K
Per year

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

Columbus, IN

Population:52K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$271K

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:131
Median Home:$513K

Columbus, IN

The Hoosier State

52K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 52K 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: Columbus, IN vs Denver, CO

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 91.8%
Columbus, IN
$1,694
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,555
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 27.4%
Columbus, IN
$1,147
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$314
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 15.6%
Columbus, IN
$1,535
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$239
more
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 13.9%
Columbus, IN
$903
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$126
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 10.4%
Columbus, IN
$572
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$59.71
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†‘ 5.1%
Columbus, IN
$494
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$25.15
more

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Income Taxes

Columbus, IN: Bartholomew County Income Tax$3,000/yr (2.0%)
Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)
Net difference-$2,931/yr

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

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$944
To$1,720
โ†‘ $776
1 Bed
From$964
To$1,840
โ†‘ $876
2 Bed
From$1,087
To$2,190
โ†‘ $1,103
3 Bed
From$1,305
To$2,870
โ†‘ $1,565
Columbus, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080โ€“$1,270/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.

$6,346
Monthly in Columbus, IN
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$2,319
Difference

Home Values

Columbus
Denver
$271K
Median Value
$513K
โ†‘ +3%
YoY Change
โ†“ -4.2%
โ†‘ +38.4%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +13%
$262K - $280K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 89% more expensive than Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†“ $1.8K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$146
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.2%
Rate difference

Columbus, IN

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Indiana State Tax
Effective: 3.2%
$4.8K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 27.9%
$41.9K
Take-Home Pay
$9,012/month
$108.1K

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

Columbus, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%
Property Tax:0.9%

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

Columbus
Denver
54 Moderate
Air Quality
55 Moderate
36.6%
Good Air Days
35.2%
97 High
Climate Risk
95 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
โ–ฒ+3.1ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
18 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days
โ–ฒ+3.1ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
18 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days

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

Similar cost to Denver, CO

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