Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from New York to Colorado
Denver has become a top destination for New Yorkers seeking lower taxes and mountain lifestyle. NYC residents face 12.7% combined income tax (10.9% state + 3.876% city), while Colorado charges just 4.4% flat (constitutionally protected by TABOR). At $100,000 NYC income: $9,500 vs Colorado $4,400—save $5,100/year. Colorado offers outdoor recreation, growing tech scene, and moderate climate without the zero-tax extremes of Texas or Florida.
High Tax State
Progressive + NYC tax
TABOR Flat Tax
Constitutional tax limit
At $100,000 income:
That is $425/month back in your pocket!
| Income | NY Tax | CO Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $2,850 (NY state only) | $2,200 | CO saves $650 | $6,500 |
| $75,000 | $4,600 (NY state only) | $3,300 | CO saves $1,300 | $13,000 |
| $100,000 (NYC) | $9,500 (state + city) | $4,400 | CO saves $5,100 | $51,000 |
| $150,000 (NYC) | $14,300 (state + city) | $6,600 | CO saves $7,700 | $77,000 |
| $200,000 (NYC) | $19,500 (state + city) | $8,800 | CO saves $10,700 | $107,000 |
| $300,000 (NYC) | $32,000 (state + city) | $13,200 | CO saves $18,800 | $188,000 |
CountryTaxCalc.com is reader-supported. When you use our partner links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. This helps us provide free tax calculators and comparison tools. Learn more about our affiliate partnerships
Moving from New York to Colorado? Multi-state returns are tricky—partial-year residency, different deadlines, avoiding double taxation. Get matched with a CPA who specializes in state moves. Virtual meetings, fixed pricing.
Get Matched With a CPA →At $100,000 NYC income: save $5,100/year in income tax (12.7% combined → 4.4%). Over 10 years: $51,000. Colorado also has lower property taxes (0.51% vs NYC's effective ~1%). Housing costs are tricky—Denver has gotten expensive ($600K median), but still 20-30% below comparable NYC condos. Total savings depend on your housing situation.
Growing rapidly. Google, Amazon, Apple, and Meta have major Denver offices. Aerospace (Lockheed, Ball) is huge. The startup scene is vibrant. However, finance and media jobs (NYC specialties) are limited. Many NYC→Denver moves involve remote work: keep the NYC salary, pay 4.4% CO tax instead of 12.7% NYC. That's the optimal strategy.
TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights) is Colorado's constitutional amendment limiting tax increases. Any new tax or tax rate increase requires voter approval. This protects the 4.4% flat rate from legislative increases—unlike states where legislators can raise taxes without voter input. TABOR has kept Colorado's taxes stable since 1992 and makes the 4.4% rate relatively secure.
Upstate NY (no city tax) pays ~$6,500 at $100K income vs Colorado's $4,400—only $2,100/year difference. Colorado wins on weather (300 sunny days vs upstate grey winters) and outdoor recreation. Upstate wins on proximity to NYC and lower housing (Buffalo/Syracuse much cheaper than Denver). For outdoor enthusiasts, Colorado is worth the move; for those prioritizing affordability, upstate may be better.
Denver for jobs and urban amenities—most corporate offices and tech companies are here. Boulder for a more progressive, college-town vibe (CU Boulder) and immediate mountain access—but extremely expensive ($800K+ median). Colorado Springs for lower cost and military/aerospace jobs (Air Force Academy, Space Force)—more conservative politically. Most NYC transplants choose Denver for balance.