Is Denver, CO cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 8.7% more expensive than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to spending an extra $652 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Philadelphia, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $157,826.087 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Philadelphia, PA and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 40.4% more expensive than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Philadelphia, PA to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $652 more per month than Philadelphia, PA, or $7826 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Philadelphia, PA

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Denver, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $652/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.8K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↑ 8.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$652

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$7.8K

Per year

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$241K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:109

Median Home:$513K

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

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: Philadelphia, PA vs Denver, CO

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,313/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $936more	40.4%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$519/mo	↓ $87.43less	14.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $74.94less	6.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $40.98more	2.9%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$632/mo	↑ $24.78more	4.1%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,774/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 40.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$936

⚡All Utilities

↓ 14.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$87.43

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$74.94

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 2.9%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$40.98

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.1%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$24.78

📦Other

→ 0.0%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

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

Net difference-$5,556/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,280

To$1,720

↑ $440

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,840

↑ $450

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$2,190

↑ $530

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$2,870

↑ $880

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$839

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Denver

$241K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 113% more expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$166

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

Rate difference

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.