Is Anaheim, CA cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Anaheim, CA is 40.0% more expensive than Denver, CO. This translates to spending an extra $3000 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $186,000 in Anaheim, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Anaheim, CA is 84.8% more expensive than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,240/month in Anaheim, CA compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

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

Living in Anaheim, CA costs approximately $3000 more per month than Denver, CO, or $36000 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.0K/month more in Anaheim, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $186.0K in Anaheim, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↑ 40.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,000

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$36.0K

Per year

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$513K

Anaheim, CA

Population:341K

Cost Index:

140

(40% above avg)

Median Home:$969K

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

Anaheim, CA

The Golden State

341K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 341K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Denver, CO vs Anaheim, CA

Category	Denver, CO	Anaheim, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,248/mo	$6,003/mo	↑ $2,755more	84.8%
Transportation	$1,462/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $697more	47.7%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$551/mo	↓ $80.54less	12.7%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,724/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$557/mo	↑ $38.25more	7.4%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,039/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.0%

Housing

↑ 84.8%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Anaheim, CA

$6,003

Difference

$2,755

Transportation

↑ 47.7%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Anaheim, CA

$2,158

Difference

$697

Healthcare

↓ 12.7%

Denver, CO

$632

Anaheim, CA

$551

Difference

$80.54

less

Other

↓ 2.8%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Anaheim, CA

$1,724

Difference

$50.22

less

All Utilities

↑ 7.4%

Denver, CO

$519

Anaheim, CA

$557

Difference

$38.25

Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Anaheim, CA

$1,039

Difference

$9.99

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Anaheim, 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$1,720

To$2,690

↑ $970

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$2,750

↑ $910

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$3,240

↑ $1,050

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$4,400

↑ $1,530

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

Anaheim, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,410–$3,900/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.

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$12,034

Monthly in Anaheim, CA

$3,369

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Anaheim

$513K

Median Value

$969K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.6%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +38%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$837K - $1.26M

Homes in Anaheim are 89% more expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - Anaheim

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$336

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

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

Anaheim, 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

Additional Tax Information

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Anaheim, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.