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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ State College, PA โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Pittsburgh, PA area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.8K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $172.0K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 24.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,831
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$22.0K
Per year

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

State College, PA

Population:41K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$398K

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:124
Median Home:$513K

State College, PA

The Keystone State

41K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 41K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Semi-arid

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขMile-high city (5,280 ft)
  • โ€ขOutdoor recreation hub
  • โ€ขMajor cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: State College, PA vs Denver, CO

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 86.4%
State College, PA
$1,743
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,506
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 21.0%
State College, PA
$1,208
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$254
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 11.2%
State College, PA
$1,596
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$178
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 20.4%
State College, PA
$525
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$107
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†“ 14.1%
State College, PA
$605
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$85.42
less
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 4.4%
State College, PA
$986
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$43.24
more

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Income Taxes

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

State College, PA has no local income tax.

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

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,098
To$1,720
โ†‘ $622
1 Bed
From$1,106
To$1,840
โ†‘ $734
2 Bed
From$1,305
To$2,190
โ†‘ $885
3 Bed
From$1,634
To$2,870
โ†‘ $1,236
State College, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,280โ€“$1,340/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620โ€“$2,540/mo

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

$6,662
Monthly in State College, PA
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$2,003
Difference

Home Values

State College
Denver
$398K
Median Value
$513K
โ†‘ +0.8%
YoY Change
โ†“ -4.2%
โ†‘ +22.2%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +13%
$394K - $402K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 29% more expensive than State College

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†“ $2.0K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$166
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.3%
Rate difference

State College, 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

State College, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%
Property Tax:1.4%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%
Property Tax:0.5%

๐Ÿ’ก 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

State College
Denver
52 Moderate
Air Quality
55 Moderate
47.8%
Good Air Days
35.2%
98 High
Climate Risk
95 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
โ–ฒ+3.0ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
12 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days
โ–ฒ+3.0ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
12 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Pennsylvania and Colorado on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

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