Cost of Living · Updated June 2026
Colorado vs Utah Cost of Living Comparison
Utah's cost of living index sits at 103 against Colorado's 105 (US average = 100) – so a $80,000 lifestyle in Colorado costs about $78,500 in Utah before taxes. After state taxes the gap barely moves: $80,000 gross nets $61,788 in Colorado vs $61,675 in Utah for a single filer in 2026.
Housing drives most of it: median home prices are $550,000 in Colorado vs $520,000 in Utah, with one-bedroom rents at $1,700 vs $1,450.
Cost of living calculator
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Composite 2026 index incl. centre rent (NYC = 100). Salary figures are gross – taxes not included; pair with the salary after tax calculator.
Key insights
Key insights
- COL index: Colorado 105 vs Utah 103 (US = 100).
- $80,000 gross nets $61,788 in Colorado vs $61,675 in Utah (single filer, 2026).
- Median homes: $550,000 vs $520,000.
- State income tax on $80k: $3,322 vs $3,435/year.
- Renter disposable income favours Utah.
| Metric | Colorado | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | 4.4% flat | 4.55% flat |
| Combined sales tax (avg) | 7.8% | 7.3% |
| Effective property tax | 0.55% | 0.55% |
| Cost of living index (US = 100) | 105 | 103 |
| Median home price | $550,000 | $520,000 |
| Typical 1-bed rent | $1,700 | $1,450 |
Taxes: the hidden half of the comparison
Colorado taxes wages at a flat 4.4%, while Utah uses a flat 4.55%. On $80,000, that's $3,322 vs $3,435 per year in state income tax.
Income tax isn't the whole story: sales tax averages 7.8% vs 7.3%, and property tax 0.55% vs 0.55% of home value annually. For renters, income and sales taxes dominate; property tax matters once you buy.
Affordability verdict
For a renter earning $80,000: net pay minus 12× rent leaves $41,388 of disposable income per year in Colorado vs $44,275 in Utah. Utah wins the renter math in 2026.
For buyers the answer can flip: mortgage on the median home plus property tax totals roughly $3,420/month in Colorado vs $3,234 in Utah at 2026 rates. Run the rent vs buy calculator for your target metro before deciding.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Utah cheaper than Colorado?
Yes – Utah's COL index of 103 runs 2% below Colorado's 105, driven mostly by housing ($520,000 vs $550,000 median homes).
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Utah?
Colorado: income tax 4.4% flat, 7.8% sales, 0.55% property. Utah: 4.55% flat, 7.3% sales, 0.55% property.
What salary do I need in Utah to match $80,000 in Colorado?
About $78,500 pre-tax, using the COL ratio 103/105. After-tax differences are minor between these two states.
Which state is better for retirees?
Both tax retirement income to some degree – check pension/Social Security exemptions. Property tax matters most for owners: 0.55% (Utah) vs 0.55%.
Do these numbers include 2026 tax changes?
Yes – state rates reflect 2026 schedules (including phased flat-tax reductions where legislated) and the federal math uses 2026 IRS brackets and the $16,100 standard deduction.
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