Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Denver is 11% more expensive than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,770/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ≈ Same
$91,681/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↓ 13%
$586,700 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$455,600 ↓ 22%
$1,839/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↓ 3%
713,734
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,746/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Denver or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Lauderdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $11,746/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Florida?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

More Comparisons

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