Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Denver is 86% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,770/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 29%
$91,681/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 29%
$586,700 ↑ 185%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 65%
$1,839/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 36%
713,734
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $506/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $6,072/year.

Median household income is $26,489/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Denver or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Dearborn?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $506/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Dearborn?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $26,489/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Michigan?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Dearborn details →

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