Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Denver is 30% more expensive than Tampa.

$1,770/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↓ 11%
$91,681/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↓ 22%
$586,700 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$375,300 ↓ 36%
$1,839/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 16%
713,734
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $203/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $2,436/year.

Median household income is $20,379/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Tampa — common questions

Is Denver or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Tampa?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $203/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Tampa?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $20,379/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Florida?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Tampa

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