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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.4K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $178.3K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Columbus, OH area
Overall Cost
31.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$2,359
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$28.3K
Per year

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

Upper Arlington, OH

Population:36K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$439K

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:
131
(31% above avg)
Median Home:$513K

Upper Arlington, OH

The Buckeye State

36K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 36K 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: Upper Arlington, OH vs Denver, CO

Housing
89.1%
Upper Arlington, OH
$1,718
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,530
more
Other
22.6%
Upper Arlington, OH
$1,448
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$327
more
Transportation
15.1%
Upper Arlington, OH
$1,270
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$191
more
Groceries
10.1%
Upper Arlington, OH
$935
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$94.59
more
All Utilities
15.9%
Upper Arlington, OH
$448
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$71.24
more
Healthcare
7.9%
Upper Arlington, OH
$585
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$46.48
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Upper Arlington, OH 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$1,075
To$1,720
$645
1 Bed
From$1,154
To$1,840
$686
2 Bed
From$1,383
To$2,190
$807
3 Bed
From$1,660
To$2,870
$1,210
Upper Arlington, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,460$1,460/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.

$6,404
Monthly in Upper Arlington, OH
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$2,261
Difference

Home Values

Upper Arlington
Denver
$439K
Median Value
$513K
↑ +1.9%
YoY Change
↓ -4.2%
↑ +31.3%
5-Year Change
↑ +13%
$439K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 17% more expensive than Upper Arlington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$2.2K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$181
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.4%
Rate difference

Upper Arlington, OH

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Ohio State Tax
Effective: 3.0%
$4.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 27.6%
$41.4K
Take-Home Pay
$9,047/month
$108.6K

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

Upper Arlington, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%
Property Tax:1.6%

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.

Environment

Upper Arlington
Denver
53 Moderate
Air Quality
55 Moderate
41.3%
Good Air Days
35.2%
98 High
Climate Risk
95 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌪💨
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+3.3°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
28 days
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+3.3°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
28 days

What to Consider When Moving from Upper Arlington, OH to Denver, CO

Relocating from Upper Arlington, OH to Denver, CO involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is roughly 31% higher in Denver, CO, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Denver, CO is 89% more expensive than in Upper Arlington, OH. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Denver, CO pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Denver, CO to match your current standard of living in Upper Arlington, OH.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Denver, CO for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Upper Arlington, OH vs Denver, CO

Is Denver, CO cheaper than Upper Arlington, OH?

Denver, CO is approximately 31.4% more expensive than Upper Arlington, OH overall. On a $150,000 salary, that translates to roughly $2,359/month in additional expenses. Housing is the biggest factor, costing 89% more in Denver, CO.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to match my lifestyle in Upper Arlington, OH?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Upper Arlington, OH, you would need approximately $178,304 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Upper Arlington, OH and Denver, CO?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,383/month in Upper Arlington, OH compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO. One-bedroom apartments are $1,154/month in Upper Arlington, OH vs $1,840/month in Denver, CO. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Upper Arlington, OH or Denver, CO?

Groceries are about 10% more expensive in Denver, CO than in Upper Arlington, OH, which adds roughly $94.59/month to a typical household budget. This covers common items like produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples based on BLS consumer expenditure data.

What is the best time to move from Upper Arlington, OH to Denver, CO?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Ohio and Colorado on TaxTakeHome.com

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