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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Denver is 153% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,770/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 45%
$91,681/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 43%
$586,700 ↑ 391%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 80%
$1,839/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 47%
713,734
Population
112,546

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $794/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $9,528/year.

Median household income is $39,511/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Lansing — common questions

Is Denver or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Lansing?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $794/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Lansing?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $39,511/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 Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

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