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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Wilkes-Barre, PA โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Philadelphia, PA area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.0K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $173.8K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 26.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,981
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$23.8K
Per year

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

Wilkes-Barre, PA

Population:44K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$179K

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:126
Median Home:$513K

Wilkes-Barre, PA

The Keystone State

44K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 44K 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: Wilkes-Barre, PA vs Denver, CO

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 81.5%
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$1,790
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,459
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 16.3%
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$1,526
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$249
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 19.7%
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$1,222
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$240
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 12.2%
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$563
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$68.93
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†“ 7.7%
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$562
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$43.33
less
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 0.5%
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$1,024
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$5.34
more

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Income Taxes

Wilkes-Barre, PA: Wilkes-Barre Earned Income Tax$4,500/yr (3.0%)
Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)
Net difference-$4,431/yr

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

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$581
To$1,720
โ†‘ $1,139
1 Bed
From$694
To$1,840
โ†‘ $1,146
2 Bed
From$844
To$2,190
โ†‘ $1,346
3 Bed
From$1,100
To$2,870
โ†‘ $1,770
Wilkes-Barre, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $890โ€“$1,010/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.

$6,687
Monthly in Wilkes-Barre, PA
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$1,978
Difference

Home Values

Wilkes-Barre
Denver
$179K
Median Value
$513K
โ†‘ +7.2%
YoY Change
โ†“ -4.2%
โ†‘ +67.2%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +13%
$179K - $180K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 186% more expensive than Wilkes-Barre

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

Wilkes-Barre, 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

Wilkes-Barre, 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

Wilkes-Barre
Denver
52 Moderate
Air Quality
55 Moderate
47.3%
Good Air Days
35.2%
100 Very High
Climate Risk
95 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒ…๐ŸŒ€
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
โ–ฒ+2.9ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
22 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days
โ–ฒ+2.9ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
22 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

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