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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $603/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.2K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA area
Overall Cost
8.0%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$603
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$7.2K
Per year

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

Johns Creek, GA

Population:81K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$441K

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:
108
(8% above avg)
Median Home:$513K

Johns Creek, GA

The Peach State

81K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 81K 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: Johns Creek, GA vs Denver, CO

Housing
43.2%
Johns Creek, GA
$2,269
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$979
more
Groceries
9.5%
Johns Creek, GA
$940
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$89.05
more
Other
4.0%
Johns Creek, GA
$1,849
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$74.74
less
Transportation
5.1%
Johns Creek, GA
$1,391
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$70.77
more
Healthcare
9.6%
Johns Creek, GA
$577
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$55.09
more
All Utilities
9.4%
Johns Creek, GA
$573
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$53.92
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Johns Creek, GA 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$857
To$1,720
$863
1 Bed
From$980
To$1,840
$860
2 Bed
From$1,225
To$2,190
$965
3 Bed
From$1,715
To$2,870
$1,155
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.

$7,599
Monthly in Johns Creek, GA
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$1,066
Difference

Home Values

Johns Creek
Denver
-
Median Value
$513K
-
YoY Change
↓ -4.2%
-
5-Year Change
↑ +13%
-
Price Range
$352K - $933K

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$1.9K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$154
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.2%
Rate difference

Johns Creek, GA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Georgia State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,711/month
$104.5K

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

Johns Creek, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%
Property Tax:0.9%

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

Johns Creek
Denver
50 Good
Air Quality
55 Moderate
50.8%
Good Air Days
35.2%
96 High
Climate Risk
95 High
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌪💨
+2.7°F
2050 Outlook
+3.3°F
28 days
Heat Days >95°F
28 days
+2.7°F
2050 Outlook
+3.3°F
28 days
Heat Days >95°F
28 days

What to Consider When Moving from Johns Creek, GA to Denver, CO

Relocating from Johns Creek, GA to Denver, CO involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is roughly 8% higher in Denver, CO, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Denver, CO is 43% more expensive than in Johns Creek, GA. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Denver, CO pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Denver, CO to match your current standard of living in Johns Creek, GA.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Denver, CO for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Johns Creek, GA vs Denver, CO

Is Denver, CO cheaper than Johns Creek, GA?

Denver, CO is approximately 8.0% more expensive than Johns Creek, GA overall. On a $150,000 salary, that translates to roughly $603/month in additional expenses. Housing is the biggest factor, costing 43% more in Denver, CO.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to match my lifestyle in Johns Creek, GA?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Johns Creek, GA, you would need approximately $157,231 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Johns Creek, GA and Denver, CO?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,225/month in Johns Creek, GA compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO. One-bedroom apartments are $980/month in Johns Creek, GA vs $1,840/month in Denver, CO. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Johns Creek, GA or Denver, CO?

Groceries are about 9% more expensive in Denver, CO than in Johns Creek, GA, which adds roughly $89.05/month to a typical household budget. This covers common items like produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples based on BLS consumer expenditure data.

What is the best time to move from Johns Creek, GA to Denver, CO?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

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

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