Is Denver, CO cheaper than Portsmouth, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 12.2% more expensive than Portsmouth, VA. This translates to spending an extra $914 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Portsmouth, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Portsmouth, VA, you'd need approximately $160,972.715 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portsmouth, VA and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 44.5% more expensive than in Portsmouth, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,342/month in Portsmouth, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Portsmouth, VA to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $914 more per month than Portsmouth, VA, or $10973 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Portsmouth, VA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Portsmouth, VA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Norfolk, VA area

Current salary in Portsmouth, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $914/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.0K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 12.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$914

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.0K

Per year

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

Portsmouth, VA

Population:97K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$243K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:112

Median Home:$513K

Portsmouth, VA

The Old Dominion State

97K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 97K 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: Portsmouth, VA vs Denver, CO

Category	Portsmouth, VA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,247/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,001more	44.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,259/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $203more	16.1%
📦Other	$1,674/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $100more	6.0%
🛒Groceries	$950/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $79.36more	8.4%
⚡All Utilities	$568/mo	$519/mo	↓ $49.01less	8.6%
🏥Healthcare	$626/mo	$632/mo	↑ $6.20more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 44.5%

Portsmouth, VA

$2,247

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,001

🚗Transportation

↑ 16.1%

Portsmouth, VA

$1,259

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$203

📦Other

↑ 6.0%

Portsmouth, VA

$1,674

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$100

🛒Groceries

↑ 8.4%

Portsmouth, VA

$950

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$79.36

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.6%

Portsmouth, VA

$568

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$49.01

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.0%

Portsmouth, VA

$626

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$6.20

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Portsmouth, VA 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$1,171

To$1,720

↑ $549

1 Bed

From$1,183

To$1,840

↑ $657

2 Bed

From$1,342

To$2,190

↑ $848

3 Bed

From$1,858

To$2,870

↑ $1,012

Portsmouth, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,490/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.

$7,324

Monthly in Portsmouth, VA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,341

Difference

Home Values

Portsmouth

Denver

$243K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$220K - $308K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 111% more expensive than Portsmouth

Calculate payment - Portsmouth Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$147

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.2%

Rate difference

Portsmouth, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

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

Portsmouth, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.