California vs. Colorado
On a $75,000 salary, you keep about $828 more a year in Colorado. Prices are 7% higher in California, so after adjusting for cost of living Colorado comes out ahead.
Last verified November 2, 2026.
| California | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Has a graduated income tax with 9 brackets, from 1% up to 12.3% on taxable income over $742,953 for single filers. | Has a flat income tax of 4.4% on taxable income. |
| Minimum wage | $16.90 | $15.16 |
| Price level (U.S. = 100) | 110.7 | 103.1 |
| Employer cost on a $50,000 hire | $5,147 | $5,545 |
| SUTA wage base | $7,000 | $30,600 |
Take-home pay at the same salary
| Salary | California take-home | Colorado take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,665 | $40,643 | $22 more in California |
| $75,000 | $57,843 | $58,671 | $828 more in Colorado |
| $100,000 | $72,825 | $75,048 | $2,223 more in Colorado |
| $150,000 | $102,136 | $107,239 | $5,103 more in Colorado |
Single filer, standard deduction, tax year 2026. Excludes local income taxes.
Adjusted for cost of living
Using BEA regional price parities, $57,843 in California buys what $52,243 buys in an average-priced state, and $58,671 in Colorado buys what $56,933 does. To keep the same buying power moving from California to Colorado, a $75,000 salary would need to be about $69,806 before the tax difference.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is California or Colorado better for take-home pay?
- On $75,000, you keep about $828 more a year in Colorado. Adjusted for prices, Colorado comes out ahead by $4,691.
- Which state is cheaper for employers, California or Colorado?
- Employer taxes and insurance on a $50,000 hire are about $5,147 in California and $5,545 in Colorado.