Is Denver, CO or Baltimore, MD cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

Baltimore, MD leaves you more: $7,647/yr. On $120,000, Denver, CO leaves $56,479/yr in pocket (state tax $5,280, housing $28,661) vs Baltimore, MD's $64,126 (state tax $6,000, housing $20,294).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (Colorado: 4.40% vs Maryland: 5%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Denver, CO vs Baltimore, MD

Denver, CO vs Baltimore, MD: cost of living on $120,000

Baltimore, MD +$7,647/yr On $120,000, Denver, CO leaves $56,479/yr in pocket vs Baltimore, MD's $64,126 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	Denver, CO	Baltimore, MD
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$5,280 (4.40%)	$6,000 (5%)
After-tax income	$85,140	$84,420
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$28,661	$20,294
Real money in pocket	$56,479	$64,126

Verified 2026-06-23 · State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-05.

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FAQ

Is Denver, CO or Baltimore, MD cheaper?: On $120,000, Baltimore, MD — by $7,647/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (Colorado 4.40% vs Maryland 5%) and housing cost.

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