Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 56.4% more expensive than Denver, CO. This translates to spending an extra $4227 per month.

What salary do I need in Seattle, WA to live like I do in Denver, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $200,727.273 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Denver, CO and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 132.0% more expensive than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Denver, CO to Seattle, WA?

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $4227 more per month than Denver, CO, or $50727 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Denver, CO

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Seattle, WA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.2K/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $200.7K in Seattle, WA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 56.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,227

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$50.7K

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

Median Home:$513K

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:156

Median Home:$808K

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

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Denver, CO vs Seattle, WA

Category	Denver, CO	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,248/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $4,288more	132.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $437more	29.9%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $201more	11.3%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$824/mo	↑ $192more	30.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $49.96more	4.9%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$481/mo	↓ $38.25less	7.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 132.0%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$4,288

🚗Transportation

↑ 29.9%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$437

📦Other

↑ 11.3%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$201

🏥Healthcare

↑ 30.4%

Denver, CO

$632

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$192

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.9%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.4%

Denver, CO

$519

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$38.25

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Seattle, WA 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$2,180

↑ $460

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$2,260

↑ $420

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$2,630

↑ $440

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$3,440

↑ $570

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$5,130

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Seattle

$513K

Median Value

$808K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 58% more expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - Seattle

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$550

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

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

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.