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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $170.0K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Columbus, OH area
Overall Cost
22.2%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,667
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$20.0K
Per year

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

Columbus, OH

Population:906K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$263K

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:122
Median Home:$513K

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K 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: Columbus, OH vs Denver, CO

🏠Housing
58.2%
Columbus, OH
$2,053
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,195
more
📦Other
14.0%
Columbus, OH
$1,557
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$218
more
🚗Transportation
7.0%
Columbus, OH
$1,366
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$95.62
more
🛒Groceries
6.2%
Columbus, OH
$969
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$59.96
more
All Utilities
11.8%
Columbus, OH
$464
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$54.64
more
🏥Healthcare
4.1%
Columbus, OH
$607
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$24.78
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)
Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)
Net difference-$3,681/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,020
To$1,720
$700
1 Bed
From$1,100
To$1,840
$740
2 Bed
From$1,315
To$2,190
$875
3 Bed
From$1,575
To$2,870
$1,295
Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870$1,790/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.

$7,017
Monthly in Columbus, OH
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$1,648
Difference

Home Values

Columbus
Denver
$263K
Median Value
$513K
↓ -0.4%
YoY Change
↓ -4.2%
↑ +28.8%
5-Year Change
↑ +13%
$95K - $406K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 95% more expensive than Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$2.2K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$181
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.4%
Rate difference

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Ohio State Tax
Effective: 3.0%
$4.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 27.6%
$41.4K
Take-Home Pay
$9,047/month
$108.6K

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

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%
Property Tax:1.6%

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.

Environment

Columbus
Denver
53 Moderate
Air Quality
55 Moderate
41.3%
Good Air Days
35.2%
98 High
Climate Risk
95 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌪💨
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+3.3°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
28 days
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+3.3°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
28 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Ohio and Colorado on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Denver, CO

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