Is Riverside, CA cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Riverside, CA is 6.4% more expensive than Denver, CO. This translates to spending an extra $477 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $155,727.273 in Riverside, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Riverside, CA is 8.0% more expensive than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,400/month in Riverside, CA compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

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

Living in Riverside, CA costs approximately $477 more per month than Denver, CO, or $5727 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Denver, CO vs Riverside, 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 $477/month more in Riverside, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.7K in Riverside, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 6.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$477

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.7K

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

Riverside, CA

Population:315K

Cost Index:

106

(6% above avg)

Median Home:$621K

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

Riverside, CA

The Golden State

315K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 315K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Denver, CO vs Riverside, CA

Category	Denver, CO	Riverside, CA	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,462/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $697more	47.7%
Housing	$3,248/mo	$3,508/mo	↑ $260more	8.0%
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%

Transportation

↑ 47.7%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Riverside, CA

$2,158

Difference

$697

Housing

↑ 8.0%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Riverside, CA

$3,508

Difference

$260

Healthcare

↓ 12.7%

Denver, CO

$632

Riverside, CA

$551

Difference

$80.54

less

Other

↓ 2.8%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Riverside, CA

$1,724

Difference

$50.22

less

All Utilities

↑ 7.4%

Denver, CO

$519

Riverside, CA

$557

Difference

$38.25

Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Riverside, CA

$1,039

Difference

$9.99

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Riverside, 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$1,850

↑ $130

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,940

↑ $100

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$2,400

↑ $210

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$3,180

↑ $310

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

Riverside, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,670–$2,650/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

$9,539

Monthly in Riverside, CA

$874

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Riverside

$513K

Median Value

$621K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +34.6%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$550K - $748K

Homes in Riverside are 21% more expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - Riverside

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

Riverside, 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%

Riverside, 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.