The numbers, side by side
| Metric | New York | Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living index | 187 | 129 | -58 |
| 1-bed rent (avg) | $3,200 | $1,850 | -$1,350 |
| 2-bed rent (avg) | $4,100 | $2,400 | -$1,700 |
| Median household income | $67,046 | $69,452 | +$2,406 |
| Population | 8,336,817 | 727,211 | -7,609,606 |
What salary you'd need in Denver
To maintain your New York purchasing power, here's what you'd need to earn in Denver.
New York vs Denver: which makes more sense for you?
On paper, New York's cost-of-living index of 187 runs roughly 31.0% higher than Denver's 129. But that headline number papers over real differences in how that cost is distributed — rent might be far more expensive while groceries and transit costs run closer to even.
The rent gap
A 1-bedroom apartment in New York averages $3,200/month, vs $1,850/month in Denver — a -$1,350 difference. For 2-bedrooms, the gap widens to -$1,700/month. Over a year, the rent difference alone is $16,200 on a 1-bed.
Income context
Median household income in New York is $67,046, while Denver runs $69,452 (+$2,406 difference). That matters for how the cost-of-living gap actually feels day-to-day — if local salaries are also higher, the cost difference washes out partly. If local salaries lag the cost-of-living gap, your paycheck buys noticeably less.
State tax differences
New York is in New York and Denver is in Colorado, so you'll also pick up a state-tax difference. Tax-free states like Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Washington, and Nevada deliver real take-home upside even when nominal salaries are similar.