Is Denver, CO cheaper than Davis, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 1.5% cheaper than Davis, CA. This translates to saving $116 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Davis, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Davis, CA, you'd need approximately $148,610.268 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Davis, CA and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 3.2% more expensive than in Davis, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,037/month in Davis, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Davis, CA to Denver, CO?

Moving from Davis, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $116 per month, or $1390 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Davis, CA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Davis, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Sacramento, CA area

Current salary in Davis, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $116/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.6K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$116

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.4K

Per year

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

Davis, CA

Population:66K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$828K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$513K

Davis, CA

The Golden State

66K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 66K residents.

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: Davis, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	Davis, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,357/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $105more	7.7%
🏠Housing	$3,149/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $99.30more	3.2%
📦Other	$1,726/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $48.03more	2.8%
🏥Healthcare	$605/mo	$632/mo	↑ $26.52more	4.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,035/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $5.83less	0.6%
⚡All Utilities	$518/mo	$519/mo	↑ $1.16more	0.2%

🚗Transportation

↑ 7.7%

Davis, CA

$1,357

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$105

🏠Housing

↑ 3.2%

Davis, CA

$3,149

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$99.30

📦Other

↑ 2.8%

Davis, CA

$1,726

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$48.03

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.4%

Davis, CA

$605

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$26.52

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.6%

Davis, CA

$1,035

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$5.83

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 0.2%

Davis, CA

$518

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$1.16

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Davis, CA 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$1,550

To$1,720

↑ $170

1 Bed

From$1,567

To$1,840

↑ $273

2 Bed

From$2,037

To$2,190

↑ $153

3 Bed

From$2,825

To$2,870

↑ $45.00

Davis, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,930–$1,930/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.

$8,391

Monthly in Davis, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$274

Difference

Home Values

Davis

Denver

$828K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -1.5%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +17%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$828K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 38% less expensive than Davis

Calculate payment - Davis Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$336

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

Davis, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Davis, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.