Colorado vs Delaware Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$72,745
in Colorado
$72,745
in Delaware
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Colorado | Delaware | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 108.8 | 102.3 | +6% |
| Groceries | 101.2 | 101.3 | 0% |
| Utilities | 88.4 | 97.6 | -9% |
| Transportation | 97.5 | 100.6 | -3% |
| Healthcare | 106.3 | 103.9 | +2% |
| Dining & Misc | 103.8 | 106.3 | -2% |
| Overall | 103.1 | 103.1 | 0% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Colorado.
What things actually cost
| Item | Colorado | Delaware | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $530,000 | $340,000 | +$190,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,523/mo | $1,432/mo | +$91 |
| Gas price | $3.53/gal | $3.38/gal | +$0.15 |
| Electric bill | $107/mo | $120/mo | $13 |
| Infant childcare | $21,840/yr | $16,220/yr | +$5,620 |
Salary equivalent: Colorado → Delaware
What a Colorado salary buys you in Delaware, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Colorado | Equivalent in Delaware | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $50,000 | $0 |
| $75,000 | $75,000 | $0 |
| $100,000 | $100,000 | $0 |
| $150,000 | $150,000 | $0 |
| $200,000 | $200,000 | $0 |
Positive = your money goes further in Delaware. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Colorado and Delaware have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 103.1 and 103.1 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Delaware?
Colorado and Delaware have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Colorado cheaper than Delaware?
Colorado and Delaware cost roughly the same to live in.
Is Delaware more expensive than Colorado?
Colorado and Delaware have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in Delaware equals $100,000 in Colorado?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Colorado, you would need approximately $100,000 in Delaware. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (103.1 vs 103.1).
How do housing costs compare between Colorado and Delaware?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Delaware. Median home prices are $530,000 in Colorado vs $340,000 in Delaware — a $190,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,523/mo vs $1,432/mo.
What costs more in Colorado vs Delaware?
Utilities is 9% lower in Colorado (index 88.4 vs 97.6). Housing is 6% higher in Colorado (index 108.8 vs 102.3). Transportation is 3% lower in Colorado (index 97.5 vs 100.6).
Is gas cheaper in Colorado or Delaware?
Gas averages $3.53/gallon in Colorado and $3.38/gallon in Delaware — a $0.15 difference per gallon.
Colorado vs Delaware cost of living — how do they compare?
Colorado has an overall cost-of-living index of 103.1 and Delaware has 103.1 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Delaware?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Colorado vs Delaware paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Colorado Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Delaware Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Colorado vs Delaware Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Colorado — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Delaware — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.