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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Council Bluffs, IA โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Omaha, NE area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.0K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $173.9K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 26.5%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,989
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$23.9K
Per year

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

Council Bluffs, IA

Population:62K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$292K

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:127
Median Home:$513K

Council Bluffs, IA

The Hawkeye State

62K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 62K 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: Council Bluffs, IA vs Denver, CO

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 79.5%
Council Bluffs, IA
$1,810
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,438
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 23.1%
Council Bluffs, IA
$1,188
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$274
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 14.4%
Council Bluffs, IA
$1,551
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$223
more
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 10.9%
Council Bluffs, IA
$928
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$101
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†‘ 13.0%
Council Bluffs, IA
$459
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$59.77
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†“ 5.1%
Council Bluffs, IA
$666
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$34.20
less

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Income Taxes

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

Council Bluffs, IA 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$747
To$1,720
โ†‘ $973
1 Bed
From$788
To$1,840
โ†‘ $1,052
2 Bed
From$942
To$2,190
โ†‘ $1,248
3 Bed
From$1,251
To$2,870
โ†‘ $1,619
Council Bluffs, IAZIP-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.

$6,602
Monthly in Council Bluffs, IA
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$2,062
Difference

Home Values

Council Bluffs
Denver
$292K
Median Value
$513K
โ†‘ +2.8%
YoY Change
โ†“ -4.2%
โ†‘ +36.7%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +13%
$292K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 75% more expensive than Council Bluffs

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†‘ $4.1K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$342
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
2.7%
Rate difference

Council Bluffs, IA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Iowa State Tax
Effective: 7.1%
$10.7K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 31.8%
$47.7K
Take-Home Pay
$8,524/month
$102.3K

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

Council Bluffs, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%
Property Tax:1.5%

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

Council Bluffs
Denver
45 Good
Air Quality
55 Moderate
63.7%
Good Air Days
35.2%
96 High
Climate Risk
95 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
โ–ฒ+3.4ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
35 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days
โ–ฒ+3.4ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
35 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days

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

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