Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,305 in Colorado versus $1,166 in Utah. Overall, Utah runs roughly 11% cheaper on rent than Colorado, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,364 in Colorado and $74,925 in Utah — about 12% higher in Colorado. Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax; Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
2.9%
6.1%
+3.2 pp in Utah
Income Tax (top rate)
4.40%
4.50%
+0.1 pp in Utah
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,305
$1,166
+11% in Colorado
Median Home Value
$586,700
$495,700
+16% in Colorado
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,364
$74,925
+12% in Colorado
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.2°F
52.8°F
+2.6°F in Utah
Colorado vs Utah — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Utah?
- Utah is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,166 runs about 11% 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 Utah?
- 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 Utah.
- Which has lower taxes, Colorado or Utah?
- Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax. Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Colorado/Utah — 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.