Denver vs Miami
Cost of Living (2026)

Denver is 4% less expensive than Miami. Plus, Florida has no state income tax vs Colorado's 4.55%.

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At a glance

Denver, CO

COL index118 ✓
State income tax4.55%
Avg 1BR rent$1,800/mo ✓
Median home price$545K ✓
VS

Miami, FL

COL index123
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$2,300/mo
Median home price$600K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryDenver indexMiami indexDifference
Housing154 ✓161+7%
Groceries112 ✓116+4%
Transportation112 ✓116+4%
Healthcare114 ✓119+5%
Utilities110 ✓114+4%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Denver → Miami

What salary in Miami gives you the same purchasing power as your Denver salary?

Salary in DenverEquivalent in MiamiDifference
$60,000$58,000$-2,000
$80,000$78,000$-2,000
$100,000$97,000$-3,000
$130,000$127,000$-3,000
$150,000$146,000$-4,000
$200,000$195,000$-5,000

Denver vs Miami: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Denver, CO and Miami, FL, Denver comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 118 versus 123 for Miami — a difference of approximately 4%.

State income tax impact

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami workers an immediate 4.55% take-home pay advantage over Denver workers who pay Colorado's 4.55% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in Denver is $545,000, compared to $600,000 in Miami. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,800/month in Denver versus $2,300/month in Miami.

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