Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 30.9% more expensive than Denver, CO. This translates to spending an extra $2318 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $177,818.182 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Diego, CA is 60.8% more expensive than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

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

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $2318 more per month than Denver, CO, or $27818 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Denver, CO

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San Diego, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.3K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $177.8K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 30.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,318

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$27.8K

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

Median Home:$513K

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:131

Median Home:$980K

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

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Denver, CO vs San Diego, CA

Category	Denver, CO	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,248/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $1,975more	60.8%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $117more	6.6%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$634/mo	↑ $115more	22.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $109more	7.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $49.96more	4.9%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$638/mo	↑ $6.20more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 60.8%

Denver, CO

$3,248

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$1,975

📦Other

↑ 6.6%

Denver, CO

$1,774

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$117

⚡All Utilities

↑ 22.1%

Denver, CO

$519

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$115

🚗Transportation

↑ 7.5%

Denver, CO

$1,462

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$109

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.9%

Denver, CO

$1,029

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.0%

Denver, CO

$632

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$6.20

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Diego, 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$2,565

↑ $845

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$2,755

↑ $915

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$3,360

↑ $1,170

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$4,475

↑ $1,605

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$2,372

Difference

Home Values

Denver

San Diego

$513K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 91% more expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - San Diego

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

San Diego, 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%

San Diego, 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.