Is Sacramento, CA cheaper than Denver, CO?

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

What salary do I need in Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Sacramento, CA is 12.8% more expensive than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,180/month in Sacramento, CA compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

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

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

Denver, CO vs Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.7K in Sacramento, 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

Sacramento, CA

Population:525K

Cost Index:

106

(6% above avg)

Median Home:$460K

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

Sacramento, CA

The Golden State

525K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 525K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Denver, CO vs Sacramento, CA

Category	Denver, CO	Sacramento, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,248/mo	$3,664/mo	↑ $416more	12.8%
Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,421/mo	↓ $40.98less	2.8%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,808/mo	↑ $33.48more	1.9%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,059/mo	↑ $29.98more	2.9%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$620/mo	↓ $12.39less	2.0%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$530/mo	↑ $10.93more	2.1%

Housing

↑ 12.8%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Sacramento, CA

$3,664

Difference

$416

Transportation

↓ 2.8%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Sacramento, CA

$1,421

Difference

$40.98

less

Other

↑ 1.9%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Sacramento, CA

$1,808

Difference

$33.48

Groceries

↑ 2.9%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Sacramento, CA

$1,059

Difference

$29.98

Healthcare

↓ 2.0%

Denver, CO

$632

Sacramento, CA

$620

Difference

$12.39

less

All Utilities

↑ 2.1%

Denver, CO

$519

Sacramento, CA

$530

Difference

$10.93

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Sacramento, 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$1,690

↓ $30.00

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,770

↓ $70.00

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$2,180

↓ $10.00

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$2,900

↑ $30.00

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

Sacramento, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,310/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

$9,102

Monthly in Sacramento, CA

$437

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Sacramento

$513K

Median Value

$460K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.7%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +18.2%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$352K - $969K

Homes in Sacramento are 10% less expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - Sacramento

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

Sacramento, 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%

Sacramento, 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.