Is Denver, CO cheaper than Bellingham, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 2.9% cheaper than Bellingham, WA. This translates to saving $218 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Bellingham, WA, you'd need approximately $147,379.754 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 27.3% cheaper than in Bellingham, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,002/month in Bellingham, WA.

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

Moving from Bellingham, WA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $218 per month, or $2620 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Bellingham, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Seattle, WA area

Current salary in Bellingham, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $218/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.4K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$218

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.6K

Per year

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

Bellingham, WA

Population:95K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$639K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$513K

Bellingham, WA

The Evergreen State

95K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 95K 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: Bellingham, WA vs Denver, CO

Category	Bellingham, WA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,468/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $1,219less	27.3%
📦Other	$1,301/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $473more	36.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,251/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $211more	16.9%
🛒Groceries	$876/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $153more	17.5%
⚡All Utilities	$390/mo	$519/mo	↑ $129more	33.0%
🏥Healthcare	$669/mo	$632/mo	↓ $36.83less	5.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 27.3%

Bellingham, WA

$4,468

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,219

less

📦Other

↑ 36.4%

Bellingham, WA

$1,301

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$473

🚗Transportation

↑ 16.9%

Bellingham, WA

$1,251

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$211

🛒Groceries

↑ 17.5%

Bellingham, WA

$876

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$153

⚡All Utilities

↑ 33.0%

Bellingham, WA

$390

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$129

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.5%

Bellingham, WA

$669

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$36.83

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Bellingham, 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$815

To$1,720

↑ $905

1 Bed

From$831

To$1,840

↑ $1,009

2 Bed

From$1,002

To$2,190

↑ $1,188

3 Bed

From$1,394

To$2,870

↑ $1,476

Bellingham, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,460–$1,510/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.

$8,955

Monthly in Bellingham, WA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$290

Difference

Home Values

Bellingham

Denver

$639K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +29.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$630K - $649K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 20% less expensive than Bellingham

Calculate payment - Bellingham 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

Bellingham, 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

Bellingham, 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.