Is Denver, CO cheaper than Elizabeth, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 3.7% more expensive than Elizabeth, NJ. This translates to spending an extra $279 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Elizabeth, NJ, you'd need approximately $153,349.449 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 62.6% more expensive than in Elizabeth, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,682/month in Elizabeth, NJ.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $279 more per month than Elizabeth, NJ, or $3349 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Elizabeth, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $279/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.3K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 3.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$279

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.3K

Per year

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

Elizabeth, NJ

Population:136K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$501K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$513K

Elizabeth, NJ

The Garden State

136K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 136K 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: Elizabeth, NJ vs Denver, CO

Category	Elizabeth, NJ	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,998/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,250more	62.6%
📦Other	$1,989/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $215less	10.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,569/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $108less	6.9%
⚡All Utilities	$590/mo	$519/mo	↓ $71.11less	12.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,089/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $60.00less	5.5%
🏥Healthcare	$682/mo	$632/mo	↓ $49.53less	7.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 62.6%

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,998

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,250

📦Other

↓ 10.8%

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,989

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$215

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.9%

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,569

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$108

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 12.0%

Elizabeth, NJ

$590

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$71.11

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.5%

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,089

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$60.00

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 7.3%

Elizabeth, NJ

$682

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$49.53

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Elizabeth, 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$1,231

To$1,720

↑ $489

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,840

↑ $450

2 Bed

From$1,682

To$2,190

↑ $508

3 Bed

From$2,108

To$2,870

↑ $762

Elizabeth, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,700/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.

$7,917

Monthly in Elizabeth, NJ

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$747

Difference

Home Values

Elizabeth

Denver

$501K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +4.3%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +55.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$495K - $565K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 2% more expensive than Elizabeth

Calculate payment - Elizabeth 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

Elizabeth, 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

Elizabeth, 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.