Is Denver, CO cheaper than Tacoma, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 36.0% cheaper than Tacoma, WA. This translates to saving $2703 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Tacoma, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Tacoma, WA, you'd need approximately $117,558.14 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Tacoma, WA and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 56.9% cheaper than in Tacoma, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,900/month in Tacoma, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Tacoma, WA to Denver, CO?

Moving from Tacoma, WA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $2703 per month, or $32442 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Tacoma, WA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Tacoma, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $117.6K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 36.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,703

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.4K

Per year

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

Tacoma, WA

Population:219K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$560K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:64

Median Home:$513K

Tacoma, WA

The Evergreen State

219K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 219K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

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: Tacoma, WA vs Denver, CO

Category	Tacoma, WA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $4,288less	56.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $437less	23.0%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $201less	10.2%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$632/mo	↓ $192less	23.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.6%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$519/mo	↑ $38.25more	8.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 56.9%

Tacoma, WA

$7,536

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$4,288

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 23.0%

Tacoma, WA

$1,899

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$437

less

📦Other

↓ 10.2%

Tacoma, WA

$1,975

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$201

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 23.3%

Tacoma, WA

$824

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$192

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Tacoma, WA

$1,079

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$49.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.0%

Tacoma, WA

$481

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$38.25

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Tacoma, WA 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$1,380

To$1,720

↑ $340

1 Bed

From$1,550

To$1,840

↑ $290

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$2,190

↑ $290

3 Bed

From$2,630

To$2,870

↑ $240

Tacoma, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,510–$1,970/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Tacoma, WA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$5,130

Difference

Home Values

Tacoma

Denver

$560K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +23.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$404K - $685K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 8% less expensive than Tacoma

Calculate payment - Tacoma Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $6.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$550

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

Rate difference

Tacoma, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Tacoma, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.