Is Denver, CO cheaper than Owatonna, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 15.4% more expensive than Owatonna, MN. This translates to spending an extra $1153 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Owatonna, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Owatonna, MN, you'd need approximately $163,838.869 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Owatonna, MN and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 47.1% more expensive than in Owatonna, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $888/month in Owatonna, MN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Owatonna, MN to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1153 more per month than Owatonna, MN, or $13839 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Owatonna, MN vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Owatonna, MN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Saint Paul, MN area

Current salary in Owatonna, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.2K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.8K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 15.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,153

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$13.8K

Per year

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

Owatonna, MN

Population:27K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$285K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:115

Median Home:$513K

Owatonna, MN

The North Star State

27K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 27K 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: Owatonna, MN vs Denver, CO

Category	Owatonna, MN	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,209/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,040more	47.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,253/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $209more	16.7%
📦Other	$1,566/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $209more	13.3%
🏥Healthcare	$720/mo	$632/mo	↓ $88.31less	12.3%
🛒Groceries	$981/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $48.49more	4.9%
⚡All Utilities	$484/mo	$519/mo	↑ $34.87more	7.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 47.1%

Owatonna, MN

$2,209

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,040

🚗Transportation

↑ 16.7%

Owatonna, MN

$1,253

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$209

📦Other

↑ 13.3%

Owatonna, MN

$1,566

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$209

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.3%

Owatonna, MN

$720

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$88.31

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.9%

Owatonna, MN

$981

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$48.49

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.2%

Owatonna, MN

$484

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$34.87

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Owatonna, MN 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$610

To$1,720

↑ $1,110

1 Bed

From$679

To$1,840

↑ $1,161

2 Bed

From$888

To$2,190

↑ $1,302

3 Bed

From$1,204

To$2,870

↑ $1,666

Owatonna, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$880/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.

$7,212

Monthly in Owatonna, MN

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,453

Difference

Home Values

Owatonna

Denver

$285K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +3%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +37.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$285K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 80% more expensive than Owatonna

Calculate payment - Owatonna Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$319

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.6%

Rate difference

Owatonna, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

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

Owatonna, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.