Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Las Vegas, NV (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Las Vegas

Nevada
111

Denver is 32% more expensive than Las Vegas.

$1,770/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,456/mo ↓ 18%
$91,681/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$70,723/yr ↓ 23%
$586,700 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$395,300 ↓ 33%
$1,839/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,452/mo ↓ 21%
713,734
Population
650,873

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Las Vegas, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Las Vegas, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $20,958/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $395,300 in Las Vegas.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Las Vegas residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Las Vegas — common questions

Is Denver or Las Vegas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Vegas is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Las Vegas?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Las Vegas it's $1,456/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Las Vegas?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $70,723 in Las Vegas. Median household income is $20,958/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Nevada?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Las Vegas?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Las Vegas has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,456/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Las Vegas details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Las Vegas

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Las Vegas vs. Boston Las Vegas vs. Portland Las Vegas vs. Washington Las Vegas vs. Detroit Las Vegas vs. El Paso Las Vegas vs. Memphis