Colorado Property taxes are lower than most other States

[illinoisphotographer]

Originally Posted by Thoreau424

Looking at just property tax is like only looking at rear-view mirrors as being important on a vehicle. You could take each of the 50 states, one by one, and glorify one factor that's better than the rest of the states. But we don't live in a vacuum where only one factor matters and overwhelms the rest.

You've got to include all of the major factors to reach sensible conclusions. Personally, I've found CO to be much more expensive overall compared to the last state I lived in. The property tax difference (which is better in CO) is lost in the overall equation, and can't rescue the total sum difference.

CO also has state income tax. If you compare that to states that do not have it, and add that in, that alone will nullify and cancel out the benefit of a lower property tax.

Most states have income tax.

Came from IL where it's like a 5% state income tax + super high property tax. Big reason why people are leaving IL to other, cheaper states (like CO)

[Ultrarunner]

It's often relative as to benefits and lifestyle...

[bluescreen73]

Originally Posted by Thoreau424

Looking at just property tax is like only looking at rear-view mirrors as being important on a vehicle. You could take each of the 50 states, one by one, and glorify one factor that's better than the rest of the states. But we don't live in a vacuum where only one factor matters and overwhelms the rest.

You've got to include all of the major factors to reach sensible conclusions. Personally, I've found CO to be much more expensive overall compared to the last state I lived in. The property tax difference (which is better in CO) is lost in the overall equation, and can't rescue the total sum difference.

CO also has state income tax. If you compare that to states that do not have it, and add that in, that alone will nullify and cancel out the benefit of a lower property tax.

It's not any sillier than assuming states without an income tax are automatically a better bargain than ones that have one.

I calculated my total state income + property tax for Colorado. It was roughly $7500 last year (and our property taxes are high because we live in an area with a MUD).

Now, if I ever lose my ever-loving mind and decide to move back to Dallas I'm looking at a) taking a 10-15% pay cut because the jobs don't pay as well down there and b) spending $350-$400k to get a house close to good schools and jobs. The property taxes alone on a house in that price range will be $7000-$8000. So that whole "Texas is better because it doesn't have a state income tax" spiel is becoming completely useless - unless you're willing to live out in the sticks and commute to the city or set up shop in a backwater glade like Waco.