Is Denver, CO cheaper than Passaic, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 5.3% more expensive than Passaic, NJ. This translates to spending an extra $398 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Passaic, NJ, you'd need approximately $154,771.809 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 65.1% more expensive than in Passaic, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,554/month in Passaic, NJ.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $398 more per month than Passaic, NJ, or $4772 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Passaic, NJ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area

Current salary in Passaic, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $398/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.8K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 5.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$398

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.8K

Per year

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

Passaic, NJ

Population:69K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$553K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$513K

Passaic, NJ

The Garden State

69K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 69K 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: Passaic, NJ vs Denver, CO

Category	Passaic, NJ	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,968/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,280more	65.1%
📦Other	$1,959/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $185less	9.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,546/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $84.23less	5.4%
⚡All Utilities	$586/mo	$519/mo	↓ $66.66less	11.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,081/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $51.79less	4.8%
🏥Healthcare	$676/mo	$632/mo	↓ $44.40less	6.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 65.1%

Passaic, NJ

$1,968

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,280

📦Other

↓ 9.4%

Passaic, NJ

$1,959

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$185

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.4%

Passaic, NJ

$1,546

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$84.23

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 11.4%

Passaic, NJ

$586

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$66.66

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.8%

Passaic, NJ

$1,081

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$51.79

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.6%

Passaic, NJ

$676

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$44.40

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Passaic, NJ 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$1,192

To$1,720

↑ $528

1 Bed

From$1,357

To$1,840

↑ $483

2 Bed

From$1,554

To$2,190

↑ $636

3 Bed

From$1,899

To$2,870

↑ $971

Passaic, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,650–$1,650/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.

$7,816

Monthly in Passaic, NJ

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$848

Difference

Home Values

Passaic

Denver

$553K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +42.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$553K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 7% less expensive than Passaic

Calculate payment - Passaic 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

Passaic, 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

Passaic, 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.