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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Independence, KY โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Cincinnati, OH area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $177.2K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 30.2%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$2,268
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$27.2K
Per year

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

Independence, KY

Population:30K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$322K

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:130
Median Home:$513K

Independence, KY

The Bluegrass State

30K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 30K 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: Independence, KY vs Denver, CO

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 82.9%
Independence, KY
$1,776
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,473
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 26.7%
Independence, KY
$1,154
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$308
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 16.4%
Independence, KY
$1,525
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$249
more
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 14.9%
Independence, KY
$896
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$134
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 15.1%
Independence, KY
$549
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$82.73
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†‘ 14.7%
Independence, KY
$452
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$66.65
more

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Income Taxes

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

Independence, KY 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$887
To$1,720
โ†‘ $833
1 Bed
From$968
To$1,840
โ†‘ $872
2 Bed
From$1,250
To$2,190
โ†‘ $940
3 Bed
From$1,654
To$2,870
โ†‘ $1,216
Independence, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,200โ€“$1,200/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.

$6,352
Monthly in Independence, KY
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$2,313
Difference

Home Values

Independence
Denver
$322K
Median Value
$513K
โ†‘ +3.4%
YoY Change
โ†“ -4.2%
โ†‘ +34.8%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +13%
$322K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 59% more expensive than Independence

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†‘ $900
Per year
Monthly Difference
$75.00
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.6%
Rate difference

Independence, KY

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Kentucky State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.7%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,791/month
$105.5K

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

Independence, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
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

Independence
Denver
52 Moderate
Air Quality
55 Moderate
44.8%
Good Air Days
35.2%
96 High
Climate Risk
95 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
โ–ฒ+3.1ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
29 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days
โ–ฒ+3.1ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
29 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days

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

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