Is Denver, CO cheaper than Downey, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 15.9% cheaper than Downey, CA. This translates to saving $1189 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Downey, CA, you'd need approximately $135,727.786 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 24.1% cheaper than in Downey, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,099/month in Downey, CA.

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

Moving from Downey, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $1189 per month, or $14272 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Downey, CA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Downey, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Long Beach, CA area

Current salary in Downey, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.2K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $135.7K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 15.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,189

Savings

Annual Impact

$14.3K

Per year

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

Downey, CA

Population:109K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$904K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:84

Median Home:$513K

Downey, CA

The Golden State

109K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 109K residents.

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: Downey, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	Downey, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,281/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $1,032less	24.1%
🚗Transportation	$2,090/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $628less	30.1%
📦Other	$1,670/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $105more	6.3%
🏥Healthcare	$543/mo	$632/mo	↑ $89.33more	16.5%
⚡All Utilities	$548/mo	$519/mo	↓ $29.37less	5.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,023/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $6.57more	0.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 24.1%

Downey, CA

$4,281

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,032

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 30.1%

Downey, CA

$2,090

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$628

less

📦Other

↑ 6.3%

Downey, CA

$1,670

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$105

🏥Healthcare

↑ 16.5%

Downey, CA

$543

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$89.33

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.4%

Downey, CA

$548

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$29.37

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.6%

Downey, CA

$1,023

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$6.57

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Downey, 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$1,506

To$1,720

↑ $214

1 Bed

From$1,679

To$1,840

↑ $161

2 Bed

From$2,099

To$2,190

↑ $91.00

3 Bed

From$2,659

To$2,870

↑ $211

Downey, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,000–$2,160/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.

$10,154

Monthly in Downey, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,489

Difference

Home Values

Downey

Denver

$904K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +27.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$806K - $920K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 43% less expensive than Downey

Calculate payment - Downey 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

Per year

Monthly Difference

$336

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

Downey, 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

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

Downey, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.