MN
MoveNumbers
MoveNumbers
Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Ottumwa, IA — COL adjusted from Des Moines, IA area + state data

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $177.5K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 30.5%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$2,288
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$27.5K
Per year

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

Ottumwa, IA

Population:25K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$228K

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:131
Median Home:$513K

Ottumwa, IA

The Hawkeye State

25K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 25K 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: Ottumwa, IA vs Denver, CO

🏠Housing
↑ 85.4%
Ottumwa, IA
$1,752
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,496
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 25.5%
Ottumwa, IA
$1,164
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$297
more
📦Other
↑ 17.9%
Ottumwa, IA
$1,505
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$269
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 17.0%
Ottumwa, IA
$880
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$149
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 14.1%
Ottumwa, IA
$455
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$64.33
more
🏥Healthcare
↓ 4.2%
Ottumwa, IA
$660
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$27.59
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Ottumwa, IA 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$573
To$1,720
↑ $1,147
1 Bed
From$653
To$1,840
↑ $1,187
2 Bed
From$796
To$2,190
↑ $1,394
3 Bed
From$1,075
To$2,870
↑ $1,795
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.

$6,416
Monthly in Ottumwa, IA
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$2,249
Difference

Home Values

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

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $4.1K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$342
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
2.7%
Rate difference

Ottumwa, IA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Iowa State Tax
Effective: 7.1%
$10.7K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 31.8%
$47.7K
Take-Home Pay
$8,524/month
$102.3K

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

Ottumwa, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%
Property Tax:1.5%

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.

Environment

Ottumwa
Denver
45 Good
Air Quality
55 Moderate
67.5%
Good Air Days
35.2%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
95 High
🌡☀🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌪💨
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.3°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
28 days
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.3°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
28 days

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

Similar cost to Denver, CO

Other cities in a similar price range

Austin, TXNashville, TNTampa, FL

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison