Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,305 in Colorado versus $1,080 in Oregon. Overall, Oregon runs roughly 17% cheaper on rent than Colorado, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,364 in Colorado and $71,900 in Oregon — about 16% higher in Colorado. Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax; Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
2.9%
None
+2.9 pp in Colorado
Income Tax (top rate)
4.40%
9.90%
+5.5 pp in Oregon
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,305
$1,080
+17% in Colorado
Median Home Value
$586,700
$435,400
+26% in Colorado
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,364
$71,900
+16% in Colorado
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.2°F
53.0°F
+2.8°F in Oregon
Colorado vs Oregon — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Oregon?
- Oregon is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,080 runs about 17% 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 Oregon?
- 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 $43,000 in Oregon.
- Which has lower taxes, Colorado or Oregon?
- Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax. Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Colorado/Oregon — 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.