Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,305 in Colorado versus $1,440 in Oregon. Overall, Colorado runs roughly 9% cheaper on rent than Oregon, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,364 in Colorado and $88,792 in Oregon — about 4% higher in 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.
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
$1,440
+10% in Oregon
Median Home Value
$586,700
$557,600
+5% in Colorado
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,364
$88,792
+4% in Oregon
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.2°F
54.5°F
+4.3°F in Oregon
Colorado vs Oregon — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Oregon?
- Colorado is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,305 runs about 9% below Oregon's $1,440, 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 $58,000 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 3/1 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.