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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Denver is 20% more expensive than Reno.

$1,770/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 18%
$91,681/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↓ 14%
$586,700 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$498,600 ↓ 15%
$1,839/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↓ 19%
713,734
Population
268,959

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
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $13,233/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Reno — common questions

Is Denver or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Reno?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Reno?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $13,233/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 Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Reno details →

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