Is Denver, CO cheaper than Newark, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 34.5% cheaper than Newark, NJ. This translates to saving $2589 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Newark, NJ, you'd need approximately $118,928.571 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 57.5% cheaper than in Newark, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,930/month in Newark, NJ.

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

Moving from Newark, NJ to Denver, CO could save you approximately $2589 per month, or $31071 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Newark, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.6K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.9K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 34.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,589

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.1K

Per year

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

Newark, NJ

Population:312K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$484K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:65

Median Home:$513K

Newark, NJ

The Garden State

312K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 312K 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: Newark, NJ vs Denver, CO

Category	Newark, NJ	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $4,400less	57.5%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $259less	12.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $141less	8.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $136less	11.7%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$519/mo	↓ $80.87less	13.5%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$632/mo	↓ $55.76less	8.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 57.5%

Newark, NJ

$7,648

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$4,400

less

📦Other

↓ 12.8%

Newark, NJ

$2,034

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$259

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.8%

Newark, NJ

$1,602

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$141

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.7%

Newark, NJ

$1,165

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$136

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 13.5%

Newark, NJ

$600

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$80.87

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 8.1%

Newark, NJ

$688

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$55.76

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Newark, NJ: Newark Payroll Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

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

Net difference-$1,431/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,400

To$1,720

↑ $320

1 Bed

From$1,600

To$1,840

↑ $240

2 Bed

From$1,930

To$2,190

↑ $260

3 Bed

From$2,430

To$2,870

↑ $440

Newark, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,610/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.

$13,737

Monthly in Newark, NJ

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$5,072

Difference

Home Values

Newark

Denver

$484K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +30.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$395K - $565K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 6% more expensive than Newark

Calculate payment - Newark 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

Newark, 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

Newark, 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.