Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Reno is 6% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $70,551 in Reno.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Reno sits at 133 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $450,000 in Reno, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $1,600 in Reno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Denver scores 102 while Reno scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are higher than Reno (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $61,648 in Reno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Reno.
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