Is Denver, CO cheaper than Elk Grove, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 3.7% cheaper than Elk Grove, CA. This translates to saving $280 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Elk Grove, CA, you'd need approximately $146,645.534 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 0.9% more expensive than in Elk Grove, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,063/month in Elk Grove, CA.

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

Moving from Elk Grove, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $280 per month, or $3354 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Elk Grove, CA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Elk Grove, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Sacramento, CA area

Current salary in Elk Grove, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $280/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.6K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 3.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$280

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.4K

Per year

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

Elk Grove, CA

Population:178K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$596K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$513K

Elk Grove, CA

The Golden State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 178K 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: Elk Grove, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	Elk Grove, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,387/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $74.27more	5.4%
🏠Housing	$3,221/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $27.89more	0.9%
🏥Healthcare	$612/mo	$632/mo	↑ $19.69more	3.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,047/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $17.50less	1.7%
📦Other	$1,766/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $8.88more	0.5%
⚡All Utilities	$524/mo	$519/mo	↓ $4.68less	0.9%

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.4%

Elk Grove, CA

$1,387

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$74.27

🏠Housing

↑ 0.9%

Elk Grove, CA

$3,221

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$27.89

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.2%

Elk Grove, CA

$612

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$19.69

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.7%

Elk Grove, CA

$1,047

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$17.50

less

📦Other

↑ 0.5%

Elk Grove, CA

$1,766

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$8.88

⚡All Utilities

↓ 0.9%

Elk Grove, CA

$524

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$4.68

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Elk Grove, 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$1,602

To$1,720

↑ $118

1 Bed

From$1,677

To$1,840

↑ $163

2 Bed

From$2,063

To$2,190

↑ $127

3 Bed

From$2,743

To$2,870

↑ $127

Elk Grove, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,000–$2,040/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.

$8,556

Monthly in Elk Grove, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$109

Difference

Home Values

Elk Grove

Denver

$596K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -3.6%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +24.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$566K - $627K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 14% less expensive than Elk Grove

Calculate payment - Elk Grove 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

Elk Grove, 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

Elk Grove, 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.