State Comparison

Colorado vs Utah

Utah is cheaper overall, while Colorado has higher incomes, Colorado has lower state income tax, and Colorado gets more sunshine.

Colorado

CO • West

Quality of Life Score

53.58

Utah

UT • West

Better quality of life

Quality of Life Score

57.94

Colorado

13 / 31

metrics won

Score

Utah

18 / 31

metrics won

Wins

UT wins Housing

UT wins Quality of Life

UT wins Climate

UT wins Income

Quality of Life

Composite score — income, affordability, education, health, and safety.

Colorado

53.58

Utah winner

57.94

Utah scores higher on quality of life — 4.36 points difference.

Quick Take

Colorado vs Utah

This quick read mixes affordability, housing, income, politics, density, and climate so the biggest tradeoffs show up fast.

Colorado has a larger population than Utah by 2,502,098 people.
Utah has the lower cost-of-living index. Utah is at 107.2, while Colorado is at 110.2.
Colorado has the higher median household income at $87,598, compared with $79,133 in Utah.
Colorado has the higher statewide minimum wage at $15.16/hr, compared with $7.25/hr in Utah.

Overview

Key differences overview

These cards keep the comparison factual first, so the biggest tradeoffs in affordability, housing, taxes, politics, climate, and day-to-day living are easy to scan.

Overall Affordability

Utah is 3.0 points cheaper overall

Utah has the lower cost-of-living index. Utah is at 107.2, while Colorado is at 110.2.

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Income

Colorado income is 10.7% higher

Colorado has the higher median household income at $87,598, compared with $79,133 in Utah.

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Jobs

Colorado minimum wage is $7.91 higher

Colorado has the higher statewide minimum wage at $15.16/hr, compared with $7.25/hr in Utah.

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Housing

Colorado homes cost about 1.0x more

Utah has the lower median home value at $484,100, versus $493,100 in Colorado.

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Taxes

Colorado has lower state income tax

Colorado has the lower state income tax rate. Its top rate is 4.40%, compared with 4.65% in Utah.

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Cost of Driving

Colorado gas is about $0.35 cheaper

Colorado has the lower regular gas price at $3.816/gal, versus $4.162/gal in Utah.

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Full Comparison

Pick a category to focus on. General shows the most important facts at a glance.

Metric	CO	UT	Deep dive
Capital City The official state capital.	Denver	Salt Lake City	Details ->
State Color Simple political color label based on the 2024 presidential result and battleground status.	Solid Blue	Solid Red	Details ->
Population Total resident population (2020 Census).	5,773,714	3,271,616	Details ->
Median Income Median household income in U.S. dollars.	$87,598	$79,133	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	110.2	107.2	Details ->
Median Housing Value Median residential home value in U.S. dollars.	$493,100	$484,100	Details ->
Property Tax Effective real-estate property tax rate (% of home value, WalletHub February 17, 2026 using 2024 data).	0.48%	0.52%	Details ->
State Income Tax Top marginal state income tax rate. 0% = no state income tax.	4.40%	4.65%	Details ->
Minimum Wage State minimum wage in U.S. dollars per hour (U.S. Department of Labor, updated January 1, 2026).	$15.16/hr	$7.25/hr	Details ->
Gas Price Average regular gasoline price by state (AAA State Gas Price Averages, updated daily).	$3.816/gal	$4.162/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	16.44 c/kWh	12.88 c/kWh	Details ->
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	53.58	57.94	Details ->
Average Temperature Average annual statewide temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.	45.1°F	48.6°F	Details ->
Sunny Days Average number of sunny or mostly sunny days per year.	136 days	125 days	Details ->
Land Area Total land area in square miles.	104,094 sq mi	84,897 sq mi	Details ->
Population Density Number of residents per square mile.	55.5 per sq mi	38.5 per sq mi	Details ->
Statehood When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.	August 1, 1876 (#38)	January 4, 1896 (#45)	Details ->

Population -> Median Income -> Cost of Living -> Median Housing Value -> Property Tax -> State Income Tax -> Minimum Wage -> Gas Price -> Electricity Rates -> Livability Score -> Average Temperature -> Sunny Days -> Land Area -> Population Density ->

Metric	CO	UT	Deep dive
Population Total resident population (2020 Census).	5,773,714	3,271,616	Details ->
Population Density Number of residents per square mile.	55.5 per sq mi	38.5 per sq mi	Details ->
Bachelor's Degree Adults age 25+ with a bachelor's degree or higher (ACS 2023).	46.4%	38.4%	Details ->
Advanced Degree Adults age 25+ with a graduate or professional degree (ACS 2023).	18.1%	13.8%	Details ->

Population -> Population Density -> Bachelor's Degree -> Advanced Degree ->

Metric	CO	UT	Deep dive
Minimum Wage State minimum wage in U.S. dollars per hour (U.S. Department of Labor, updated January 1, 2026).	$15.16/hr	$7.25/hr	Details ->

Minimum Wage ->

Metric	CO	UT	Deep dive
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	53.58	57.94	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	110.2	107.2	Details ->
Gas Price Average regular gasoline price by state (AAA State Gas Price Averages, updated daily).	$3.816/gal	$4.162/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	16.44 c/kWh	12.88 c/kWh	Details ->
Commute Time Average commute time in minutes.	26.4 min	21.8 min	Details ->

Livability Score -> Cost of Living -> Gas Price -> Electricity Rates -> Commute Time ->

Metric	CO	UT	Deep dive
Average Temperature Average annual statewide temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.	45.1°F	48.6°F	Details ->
Summer Temperature Average statewide summer temperature across June, July, and August.	65.2°F	69.6°F	Details ->
Winter Temperature Average statewide winter temperature across December, January, and February.	25.8°F	28.2°F	Details ->
Sunny Days Average number of sunny or mostly sunny days per year.	136 days	125 days	Details ->
Annual Precipitation Average annual rain and snowfall combined, measured in inches.	15.9 in	12.2 in	Details ->

Average Temperature -> Summer Temperature -> Winter Temperature -> Sunny Days -> Annual Precipitation ->

Metric	CO	UT	Deep dive
Median Housing Value Median residential home value in U.S. dollars.	$493,100	$484,100	Details ->
Median Gross Rent Median gross monthly rent in U.S. dollars.	$1,651/mo	$1,392/mo	Details ->
Median Monthly Owner Costs With Mortgage Median selected monthly owner costs for households with a mortgage.	-	-	Details ->
Owner Costs Without Mortgage Median selected monthly owner costs for households without a mortgage.	-	-	Details ->
Homeownership Rate Share of occupied housing units that are owner-occupied.	66.0%	70.5%	Details ->
Home Value to Income Ratio Median home value divided by median household income.	5.63x	6.12x	Details ->
Rent to Income Ratio Annualized median gross rent as a share of median household income.	22.6%	21.1%	Details ->
Owner Costs to Income Median selected monthly owner costs as a percentage of household income (ACS 2023).	19.0%	17.4%	Details ->

Median Housing Value -> Median Gross Rent -> Median Monthly Owner Costs With Mortgage -> Owner Costs Without Mortgage -> Homeownership Rate -> Home Value to Income Ratio -> Rent to Income Ratio -> Owner Costs to Income ->

Metric	CO	UT	Deep dive
State Income Tax Top marginal state income tax rate. 0% = no state income tax.	4.40%	4.65%	Details ->
State Sales Tax State-level sales tax rate. 0% = no state sales tax (local taxes may apply).	2.90%	4.85%	Details ->
Property Tax Effective real-estate property tax rate (% of home value, WalletHub February 17, 2026 using 2024 data).	0.48%	0.52%	Details ->

State Income Tax -> State Sales Tax -> Property Tax ->

Metric	CO	UT	Deep dive
State Color Simple political color label based on the 2024 presidential result and battleground status.	Solid Blue	Solid Red	Details ->
Presidential Voting Margin Signed 2024 presidential margin in percentage points (positive = Democratic, negative = Republican).	Dem +10.99	Rep +21.23	Details ->
Swing State / Battleground Whether the state was part of the core 2024 battleground map.	Not a battleground	Not a battleground	Details ->
Governor Party Current governor's party (NCSL partisan composition, January 27, 2026).	Democratic	Republican	Details ->
State House Control Current partisan control of the lower legislative chamber (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Democratic	Republican	Details ->
State Senate Control Current partisan control of the upper legislative chamber (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Democratic	Republican	Details ->
Trifecta Whether one party controls the governorship and both legislative chambers (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Democratic Trifecta	Republican Trifecta	Details ->

Presidential Voting Margin ->

Metric	CO	UT	Deep dive
Gun Laws Status Simplified statewide gun-law label based on current Giffords grades: A to B = Restrictive, C to F = Permissive (scorecard modified February 20, 2026).	Restrictive	Permissive	Details ->
Alcohol Laws Whether the state uses a control-state or license-state model for distilled-spirit sales (NABCA directory accessed April 6, 2026).	License State	Control State	Details ->
Marijuana Legalization Current statewide marijuana status: Legal, Medical, or Illegal (NCSL state cannabis laws page updated June 27, 2025).	Legal	Medical	Details ->

Metric	CO	UT	Deep dive
Land Area Total land area in square miles.	104,094 sq mi	84,897 sq mi	Details ->
Highest Point Highest natural point in the state, with summit elevation.	Mount Elbert (14,440 ft)	Kings Peak (13,534 ft)	Details ->
Statehood When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.	August 1, 1876 (#38)	January 4, 1896 (#45)	Details ->
Capital City The official state capital.	Denver	Salt Lake City	Details ->
Region U.S. Census Bureau geographic region.	West	West	Details ->

Land Area -> Highest Point ->

Metric	CO	UT	Deep dive
Life Expectancy Life expectancy at birth in years (CDC 2021).	79.7 yrs	80.4 yrs	Details ->
Uninsured Rate Share of residents without health insurance coverage.	6.7%	8.0%	Details ->
Obesity Rate Adult obesity prevalence.	25.0%	31.0%	Details ->

Life Expectancy -> Uninsured Rate -> Obesity Rate ->

Metric	CO	UT	Deep dive
Violent Crime Rate Violent crime incidents per 100,000 residents (FBI UCR 2022).	407.3	243.4	Details ->
Property Crime Rate Property crime incidents per 100,000 residents.	3234.0	1931.6	Details ->

Violent Crime Rate -> Property Crime Rate ->

Metric	CO	UT	Deep dive
Median Income Median household income in U.S. dollars.	$87,598	$79,133	Details ->
Regional Price Parity Official price level relative to the national average (100 = U.S. average).	102.5	95.6	Details ->
Poverty Rate Share of residents below the federal poverty line (ACS 2023).	9.3%	9.0%	Details ->
Employment/Population Ratio Employed civilian population as a share of the adult population (ACS 2023).	65.4%	67.6%	Details ->
Unemployment Rate Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (BLS, December 2025).	3.8%	3.6%	Details ->
Job Growth Change in total nonfarm payroll employment from December 2024 to December 2025 (BLS).	0.8%	1.2%	Details ->

Median Income -> Regional Price Parity -> Poverty Rate -> Employment/Population Ratio -> Unemployment Rate -> Job Growth ->

Intent-Oriented

Which state fits your priorities better?

Use these cards as decision shortcuts for common goals like saving money, buying a home, finding better weather, or optimizing for work and family life.

Saving Money

Utah is cheaper overall

Overall cost-of-living index: 107.2 vs 110.2 in Colorado. On a national baseline of 100, the lower score usually means cheaper day-to-day expenses.

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Gas Price

Colorado is cheaper at the pump

Average regular gas price: $3.816/gal in Colorado vs $4.162/gal in Utah. Lower pump prices can cut everyday driving costs.

See full data

Minimum Wage

Colorado has the higher minimum wage

State minimum wage: $15.16/hr in Colorado vs $7.25/hr in Utah. That matters most for hourly, entry-level, and part-time workers.

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Electricity Rates

Utah has cheaper electricity

Average residential electricity rate: 12.88 c/kWh in Utah vs 16.44 c/kWh in Colorado. Lower cents-per-kWh pricing can help keep utility bills down.

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Buying a Home

Colorado is more attainable for buyers

Home-value-to-income ratio: 5.63x in Colorado vs 6.12x in Utah. A lower ratio means the median home is easier to afford on a median income.

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Renting

Utah is easier for renters

Rent-to-income ratio: 21.1% in Utah vs 22.6% in Colorado. A lower percentage means rent takes a smaller bite out of a typical household budget.

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Property Tax

Colorado has lower property taxes

Effective property tax rate: 0.48% in Colorado vs 0.52% in Utah. A lower rate usually means a smaller yearly tax bill relative to home value.

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State Color

Colorado votes bluer

2024 presidential margin: Dem +10.99 in Colorado vs Rep +21.23 in Utah.

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Gun Laws

Colorado has stricter gun laws

Colorado falls into the restrictive category, while Utah falls into the permissive category on this simplified statewide comparison.

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Alcohol Laws

Utah uses a control-state system

Utah uses a control-state system for liquor sales, while Colorado uses a license-state system.

See full data

Marijuana Legalization

Colorado has broader marijuana access

Colorado currently rates as Legal, while Utah rates as Medical under statewide marijuana law.

See full data

Lower Taxes

Colorado has lower income taxes

Top state income tax rate: 4.40% in Colorado vs 4.65% in Utah.

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More Space

Utah feels less crowded

Population density: 38.5 per sq mi in Utah vs 55.5 per sq mi in Colorado. Lower density usually means more space and less day-to-day congestion.

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Shorter Commute

Utah has the shorter commute

Average commute: 21.8 min in Utah vs 26.4 min in Colorado.

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Job Opportunities

Utah looks better for job seekers

Unemployment rate: 3.6% in Utah vs 3.8% in Colorado. Utah also leads on job growth.

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Remote Workers

Utah looks better for remote workers

Livability score: 57.94 in Utah vs 53.58 in Colorado. Utah also has the shorter average commute.

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Warmer Climate

Utah is warmer overall

Average annual temperature: 48.6°F in Utah vs 45.1°F in Colorado.

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More Sunshine

Colorado gets more sun

Sunny days per year: 136 days in Colorado vs 125 days in Utah.

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Detailed Metric Pages

Grouped tabs keep the deep-dive links tighter and easier to scan.

Population

Colorado has a larger population than Utah by 2,502,098 people.

Population Density

Colorado is more densely populated than Utah.

Bachelor's Degree

Colorado has a higher college-educated share than Utah.

Advanced Degree

Colorado has a higher advanced-degree share than Utah.

Colorado vs Utah - Common Questions

Q Is Colorado cheaper to live in than Utah?

Utah has the lower cost of living. On the national index (100 = average), Utah scores 107.2 versus 110.2 for Colorado - a gap of 3.0 points.

Q Which state is bigger - Colorado or Utah?

Colorado is larger, covering 104,094 sq mi compared with 84,897 sq mi for Utah - roughly 1.2x the size.

Q Does Colorado or Utah have more people?

Colorado has the larger population at 5,773,714, compared with 3,271,616 in Utah.

Q Which state has higher household income - Colorado or Utah?

Colorado has the higher median household income at $87,598, versus $79,133 in Utah.

Q Which state has lower income taxes - Colorado or Utah?

Colorado has the lower state income tax top rate at 4.40%, compared with 4.65% in Utah.

Q Is housing cheaper in Colorado or Utah?

Homes are cheaper in Utah, where the median home value is $484,100, versus $493,100 in Colorado.

Q Which state is more densely populated - Colorado or Utah?

Colorado is more densely populated at 55.5 per sq mi people per sq mi. Utah is more spread out at 38.5 per sq mi people per sq mi.

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Methodology

All figures are sourced from U.S. government datasets and updated annually. Page last updated: April 2026.

Core demographic data comes from the 2020 U.S. Census, with land area from U.S. Census Bureau TIGER files and statehood dates from the National Archives. Income, housing, affordability, and tax fields are maintained in our comparison dataset, with minimum wage data from the U.S. Department of Labor, gas prices from AAA, and electricity rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Political control and election fields use 2024 presidential results together with National Conference of State Legislatures data. Gun-law labels use the Giffords scorecard, alcohol system data comes from NABCA, and marijuana status uses NCSL's state cannabis laws tracker. See our editorial policy for how we review and update these pages.