Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,305 in Colorado versus $1,181 in Nevada. Overall, Nevada runs roughly 10% cheaper on rent than Colorado, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,364 in Colorado and $70,723 in Nevada — about 17% higher in Colorado. Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax; Nevada has no state income tax and a 6.85% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
2.9%
6.85%
+3.9 pp in Nevada
Income Tax (top rate)
4.40%
None
+4.4 pp in Colorado
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,305
$1,181
+10% in Colorado
Median Home Value
$586,700
$395,300
+33% in Colorado
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,364
$70,723
+17% in Colorado
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.2°F
68.4°F
+18.2°F in Nevada
Colorado vs Nevada — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Nevada?
- Nevada is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,181 runs about 10% below Colorado's $1,305, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Colorado than in Nevada?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $52,000 a year in Colorado versus $47,000 in Nevada.
- Which has lower taxes, Colorado or Nevada?
- Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax. Nevada has no state income tax and a 6.85% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Colorado/Nevada — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.