Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Jersey City, NJ (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Denver and Jersey City have a similar cost of living.

$1,770/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 7%
$91,681/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 3%
$586,700 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$534,500 ↓ 9%
$1,839/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 9%
713,734
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
10.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $3,132/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Denver or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Jersey City?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Jersey City?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $3,132/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and New Jersey?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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