Is San Jose, CA cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, San Jose, CA is 82.7% more expensive than Denver, CO. This translates to spending an extra $6205 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $224,454.545 in San Jose, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Jose, CA is 197.6% more expensive than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,445/month in San Jose, CA compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

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

Living in San Jose, CA costs approximately $6205 more per month than Denver, CO, or $74455 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Denver, CO

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San Jose, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $6.2K/month more in San Jose, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $224.5K in San Jose, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 82.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$6,205

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$74.5K

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 Jose, CA

Population:1013K

Cost Index:183

Median Home:$1.35M

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 Jose, CA

The Golden State

1.0M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 1.0M residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Denver, CO vs San Jose, CA

Category	Denver, CO	San Jose, CA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,248/mo	$9,667/mo	↑ $6,419more	197.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,129/mo	↑ $99.93more	9.7%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$706/mo	↑ $74.35more	11.8%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$464/mo	↓ $54.64less	10.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,407/mo	↓ $54.64less	3.7%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 197.6%

Denver, CO

$3,248

San Jose, CA

$9,667

Difference

$6,419

🛒Groceries

↑ 9.7%

Denver, CO

$1,029

San Jose, CA

$1,129

Difference

$99.93

🏥Healthcare

↑ 11.8%

Denver, CO

$632

San Jose, CA

$706

Difference

$74.35

⚡All Utilities

↓ 10.5%

Denver, CO

$519

San Jose, CA

$464

Difference

$54.64

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 3.7%

Denver, CO

$1,462

San Jose, CA

$1,407

Difference

$54.64

less

📦Other

↑ 2.8%

Denver, CO

$1,774

San Jose, CA

$1,825

Difference

$50.22

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Jose, 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$2,590

↑ $870

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$2,950

↑ $1,110

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$3,445

↑ $1,255

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$4,550

↑ $1,680

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

San Jose, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,190–$4,060/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

$15,199

Monthly in San Jose, CA

$6,534

Difference

Home Values

Denver

San Jose

$513K

Median Value

$1.35M

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +35.5%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$671K - $2.59M

Homes in San Jose are 163% more expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - San Jose

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 Jose, 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 Jose, 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.