Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Denver is 21% more expensive than Tacoma.

$1,770/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 10%
$91,681/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 9%
$586,700 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 23%
$1,839/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 5%
713,734
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $173/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $2,076/year.

Median household income is $7,824/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Denver or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Tacoma?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $173/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Tacoma?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $7,824/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Washington?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Tacoma details →