Colorado vs Massachusetts Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$72,745
in Colorado
$50,505
in Massachusetts
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 | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 108.8 | 221.0 | -51% |
| Groceries | 101.2 | 102.7 | -1% |
| Utilities | 88.4 | 154.8 | -43% |
| Transportation | 97.5 | 105.2 | -7% |
| Healthcare | 106.3 | 134.2 | -21% |
| Dining & Misc | 103.8 | 116.8 | -11% |
| Overall | 103.1 | 148.5 | -31% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Colorado.
What things actually cost
| Item | Colorado | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $530,000 | $620,000 | $90,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,523/mo | $3,094/mo | $1,571 |
| Gas price | $3.53/gal | $3.41/gal | +$0.12 |
| Electric bill | $107/mo | $212/mo | $105 |
| Infant childcare | $21,840/yr | $26,709/yr | $4,869 |
Salary equivalent: Colorado → Massachusetts
What a Colorado salary buys you in Massachusetts, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Colorado | Equivalent in Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $72,017 | $-22,017 |
| $75,000 | $108,026 | $-33,026 |
| $100,000 | $144,035 | $-44,035 |
| $150,000 | $216,052 | $-66,052 |
| $200,000 | $288,070 | $-88,070 |
Positive = your money goes further in Massachusetts. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Massachusetts is 31% more expensive than Colorado overall. Massachusetts has an index of 148.5 vs 103.1 for Colorado (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Massachusetts?
Colorado is cheaper to live in. Massachusetts is 31% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $530,000 in Colorado vs $620,000 in Massachusetts.
Is Colorado cheaper than Massachusetts?
Yes, Colorado is 31% cheaper than Massachusetts overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Massachusetts more expensive than Colorado?
Yes, Massachusetts is 31% more expensive than Colorado based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Massachusetts equals $100,000 in Colorado?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Colorado, you would need approximately $144,035 in Massachusetts. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (103.1 vs 148.5).
How do housing costs compare between Colorado and Massachusetts?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Colorado. Median home prices are $530,000 in Colorado vs $620,000 in Massachusetts — a $90,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,523/mo vs $3,094/mo.
What costs more in Colorado vs Massachusetts?
Housing is 51% lower in Colorado (index 108.8 vs 221). Utilities is 43% lower in Colorado (index 88.4 vs 154.8). Healthcare is 21% lower in Colorado (index 106.3 vs 134.2).
Is gas cheaper in Colorado or Massachusetts?
Gas averages $3.53/gallon in Colorado and $3.41/gallon in Massachusetts — a $0.12 difference per gallon.
Colorado vs Massachusetts cost of living — how do they compare?
Colorado has an overall cost-of-living index of 103.1 and Massachusetts has 148.5 (national average = 100). Massachusetts is 31% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Massachusetts?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Colorado vs Massachusetts 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
- Massachusetts Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Colorado vs Massachusetts Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Colorado — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Massachusetts — 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.