Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,305 in Colorado versus $1,705 in New York. Overall, Colorado runs roughly 23% cheaper on rent than New York, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,364 in Colorado and $79,713 in New York — about 7% higher in Colorado. Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax; New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
2.9%
4%
+1.1 pp in New York
Income Tax (top rate)
4.40%
10.90%
+6.5 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,305
$1,705
+31% in New York
Median Home Value
$586,700
$751,700
+28% in New York
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,364
$79,713
+7% in Colorado
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.2°F
55.0°F
+4.8°F in New York
Colorado vs New York — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or New York?
- Colorado is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,305 runs about 23% below New York's $1,705, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Colorado than in New York?
- 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 $68,000 in New York.
- Which has lower taxes, Colorado or New York?
- Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Colorado/New York — 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.