Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,305 in Colorado versus $1,858 in Washington. Overall, Colorado runs roughly 30% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,364 in Colorado and $121,984 in Washington — about 30% higher in Washington. Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
2.9%
6.5%
+3.6 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
4.40%
None
+4.4 pp in Colorado
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,305
$1,858
+42% in Washington
Median Home Value
$586,700
$912,100
+55% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,364
$121,984
+43% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.2°F
53.5°F
+3.3°F in Washington
Colorado vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Washington?
- Colorado is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,305 runs about 30% below Washington's $1,858, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Colorado than in Washington?
- 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 $74,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Colorado or Washington?
- Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Colorado/Washington — 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.