Is Santa Clarita, CA cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Santa Clarita, CA is 45.4% more expensive than Denver, CO. This translates to spending an extra $3408 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $190,896.299 in Santa Clarita, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Santa Clarita, CA is 98.2% more expensive than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,197/month in Santa Clarita, CA compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

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

Living in Santa Clarita, CA costs approximately $3408 more per month than Denver, CO, or $40896 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Denver, CO vs Santa Clarita, 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 $3.4K/month more in Santa Clarita, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $190.9K in Santa Clarita, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 45.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,408

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$40.9K

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

Santa Clarita, CA

Population:224K

Cost Index:

145

(45% above avg)

Median Home:$885K

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

Santa Clarita, CA

The Golden State

224K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 224K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Denver, CO vs Santa Clarita, CA

Category	Denver, CO	Santa Clarita, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,248/mo	$6,439/mo	↑ $3,190more	98.2%
Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,992/mo	↑ $531more	36.3%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,598/mo	↓ $177less	9.9%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$532/mo	↓ $99.77less	15.8%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$999/mo	↓ $29.77less	2.9%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$536/mo	↑ $16.41more	3.2%

Housing

↑ 98.2%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Santa Clarita, CA

$6,439

Difference

$3,190

Transportation

↑ 36.3%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,992

Difference

$531

Other

↓ 9.9%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,598

Difference

$177

less

Healthcare

↓ 15.8%

Denver, CO

$632

Santa Clarita, CA

$532

Difference

$99.77

less

Groceries

↓ 2.9%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Santa Clarita, CA

$999

Difference

$29.77

less

All Utilities

↑ 3.2%

Denver, CO

$519

Santa Clarita, CA

$536

Difference

$16.41

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Santa Clarita, 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$1,452

↓ $268

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,648

↓ $192

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$2,197

↑ $7.00

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$3,296

↑ $426

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$12,096

Monthly in Santa Clarita, CA

$3,431

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Santa Clarita

$513K

Median Value

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

$352K - $933K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Denver

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

Santa Clarita, 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%

Santa Clarita, 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.