Is Denver, CO cheaper than Des Moines, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 1.6% more expensive than Des Moines, WA. This translates to spending an extra $119 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Des Moines, WA, you'd need approximately $151,433.178 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 10.6% more expensive than in Des Moines, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,776/month in Des Moines, WA.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $119 more per month than Des Moines, WA, or $1433 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Des Moines, WA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Des Moines, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Tacoma, WA area

Current salary in Des Moines, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $119/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.4K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↑ 1.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$119

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Des Moines, WA

Population:32K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$580K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$513K

Des Moines, WA

The Evergreen State

32K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 32K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Des Moines, WA vs Denver, CO

Category	Des Moines, WA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,819/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $358less	19.7%
🏠Housing	$2,936/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $313more	10.6%
📦Other	$1,572/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $203more	12.9%
🏥Healthcare	$807/mo	$632/mo	↓ $175less	21.7%
⚡All Utilities	$471/mo	$519/mo	↑ $48.41more	10.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,056/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $27.16less	2.6%

🚗Transportation

↓ 19.7%

Des Moines, WA

$1,819

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$358

less

🏠Housing

↑ 10.6%

Des Moines, WA

$2,936

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$313

📦Other

↑ 12.9%

Des Moines, WA

$1,572

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$203

🏥Healthcare

↓ 21.7%

Des Moines, WA

$807

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$175

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.3%

Des Moines, WA

$471

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$48.41

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.6%

Des Moines, WA

$1,056

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$27.16

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Des Moines, 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$1,474

To$1,720

↑ $246

1 Bed

From$1,523

To$1,840

↑ $317

2 Bed

From$1,776

To$2,190

↑ $414

3 Bed

From$2,321

To$2,870

↑ $549

Des Moines, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,870–$1,870/mo

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.

$8,661

Monthly in Des Moines, WA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$3.96

Difference

Home Values

Des Moines

Denver

$580K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -1.7%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +25.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$580K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 12% less expensive than Des Moines

Calculate payment - Des Moines Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $6.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$550

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

Rate difference

Des Moines, 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

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

Additional Tax Information

Des Moines, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.