Is Denver, CO cheaper than Auburn, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 0.6% cheaper than Auburn, WA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Auburn, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Auburn, WA, you'd need approximately $149,478.588 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Auburn, WA and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 8.3% more expensive than in Auburn, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,798/month in Auburn, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Auburn, WA to Denver, CO?

Moving from Auburn, WA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $43 per month, or $521 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Auburn, WA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Auburn, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Tacoma, WA area

Current salary in Auburn, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $43.45/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.5K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 0.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$43.45

Savings

Annual Impact

$521

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Auburn, WA

Population:84K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$479K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:99

Median Home:$513K

Auburn, WA

The Evergreen State

84K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 84K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Auburn, WA vs Denver, CO

Category	Auburn, WA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,859/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $397less	21.4%
🏠Housing	$3,000/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $248more	8.3%
🏥Healthcare	$815/mo	$632/mo	↓ $183less	22.5%
📦Other	$1,606/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $168more	10.5%
⚡All Utilities	$476/mo	$519/mo	↑ $43.29more	9.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,068/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $38.64less	3.6%

🚗Transportation

↓ 21.4%

Auburn, WA

$1,859

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$397

less

🏠Housing

↑ 8.3%

Auburn, WA

$3,000

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$248

🏥Healthcare

↓ 22.5%

Auburn, WA

$815

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$183

less

📦Other

↑ 10.5%

Auburn, WA

$1,606

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$168

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.1%

Auburn, WA

$476

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$43.29

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.6%

Auburn, WA

$1,068

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$38.64

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Auburn, WA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,498

To$1,720

↑ $222

1 Bed

From$1,540

To$1,840

↑ $300

2 Bed

From$1,798

To$2,190

↑ $392

3 Bed

From$2,372

To$2,870

↑ $498

Auburn, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,850–$1,850/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,824

Monthly in Auburn, WA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$160

Difference

Home Values

Auburn

Denver

$479K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +24.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$479K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 7% more expensive than Auburn

Calculate payment - Auburn Calculate payment - Denver

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $6.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$550

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

Rate difference

Auburn, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Auburn, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.