Is Denver, CO cheaper than Tampa, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 6.8% more expensive than Tampa, FL. This translates to spending an extra $510 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Tampa, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Tampa, FL, you'd need approximately $156,116.505 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Tampa, FL and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 20.2% more expensive than in Tampa, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,290/month in Tampa, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Tampa, FL to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $510 more per month than Tampa, FL, or $6117 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Tampa, FL

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Denver, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Tampa, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $510/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.1K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$510

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.1K

Per year

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

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$367K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$513K

Tampa, FL

The Sunshine State

385K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major Tampa Bay area
•No state income tax
•Growing tech scene

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyHealthcareTourism

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: Tampa, FL vs Denver, CO

Category	Tampa, FL	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,703/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $546more	20.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $178more	13.8%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$632/mo	↑ $61.96more	10.9%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$519/mo	↓ $54.64less	9.5%
📦Other	$1,808/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $33.48less	1.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,019/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 20.2%

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$546

🚗Transportation

↑ 13.8%

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$178

🏥Healthcare

↑ 10.9%

Tampa, FL

$570

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$61.96

⚡All Utilities

↓ 9.5%

Tampa, FL

$574

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$54.64

less

📦Other

↓ 1.9%

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$33.48

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$9.99

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Tampa, FL 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$1,850

To$1,720

↓ $130

1 Bed

From$1,960

To$1,840

↓ $120

2 Bed

From$2,290

To$2,190

↓ $100

3 Bed

From$2,930

To$2,870

↓ $60.00

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/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.

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$707

Difference

Home Values

Tampa

Denver

$367K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -4%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +42.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$251K - $989K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 40% more expensive than Tampa

Calculate payment - Tampa 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

Tampa, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida 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

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

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.