Is New York, NY cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, New York, NY is 52.7% more expensive than Denver, CO. This translates to spending an extra $3955 per month.

What salary do I need in New York, NY to live like I do in Denver, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $197,454.545 in New York, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Denver, CO and New York, NY?

Housing in New York, NY is 135.4% more expensive than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,590/month in New York, NY compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Denver, CO to New York, NY?

Living in New York, NY costs approximately $3955 more per month than Denver, CO, or $47455 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Denver, CO

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New York, NY

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.0K/month more in New York, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $197.5K in New York, NY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↑ 52.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,955

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$47.5K

Per year

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:153

Median Home:$1.05M

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

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Denver, CO vs New York, NY

Category	Denver, CO	New York, NY	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,248/mo	$7,648/mo	↑ $4,400more	135.4%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$2,034/mo	↑ $259more	14.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,602/mo	↑ $141more	9.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,165/mo	↑ $136more	13.2%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$600/mo	↑ $80.87more	15.6%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$688/mo	↑ $55.76more	8.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 135.4%

Denver, CO

$3,248

New York, NY

$7,648

Difference

$4,400

📦Other

↑ 14.6%

Denver, CO

$1,774

New York, NY

$2,034

Difference

$259

🚗Transportation

↑ 9.6%

Denver, CO

$1,462

New York, NY

$1,602

Difference

$141

🛒Groceries

↑ 13.2%

Denver, CO

$1,029

New York, NY

$1,165

Difference

$136

⚡All Utilities

↑ 15.6%

Denver, CO

$519

New York, NY

$600

Difference

$80.87

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.8%

Denver, CO

$632

New York, NY

$688

Difference

$55.76

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

Net difference+$5,620/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,720

To$3,120

↑ $1,400

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$3,270

↑ $1,430

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$3,590

↑ $1,400

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$4,500

↑ $1,630

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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.

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$5,072

Difference

Home Values

Denver

New York

$513K

Median Value

$1.05M

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.1%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.9%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$471K - $3.49M

Homes in New York are 105% more expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - New York

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$245

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

Rate difference

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

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

Additional Tax Information

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.