Is Denver, CO cheaper than Federal Way, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 0.9% cheaper than Federal Way, WA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Federal Way, WA, you'd need approximately $149,176.699 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 7.9% more expensive than in Federal Way, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,883/month in Federal Way, WA.

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

Moving from Federal Way, WA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $69 per month, or $823 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Federal Way, WA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Federal Way, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Tacoma, WA area

Current salary in Federal Way, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $68.61/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.2K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$68.61

Savings

Annual Impact

$823

Per year

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

Federal Way, WA

Population:98K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$575K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:99

Median Home:$513K

Federal Way, WA

The Evergreen State

98K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 98K 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: Federal Way, WA vs Denver, CO

Category	Federal Way, WA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,865/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $404less	21.6%
🏠Housing	$3,010/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $238more	7.9%
🏥Healthcare	$817/mo	$632/mo	↓ $185less	22.6%
📦Other	$1,612/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $163more	10.1%
⚡All Utilities	$477/mo	$519/mo	↑ $42.49more	8.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,070/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $40.44less	3.8%

🚗Transportation

↓ 21.6%

Federal Way, WA

$1,865

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$404

less

🏠Housing

↑ 7.9%

Federal Way, WA

$3,010

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$238

🏥Healthcare

↓ 22.6%

Federal Way, WA

$817

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$185

less

📦Other

↑ 10.1%

Federal Way, WA

$1,612

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$163

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.9%

Federal Way, WA

$477

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$42.49

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.8%

Federal Way, WA

$1,070

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$40.44

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Federal Way, 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$1,562

To$1,720

↑ $158

1 Bed

From$1,616

To$1,840

↑ $224

2 Bed

From$1,883

To$2,190

↑ $307

3 Bed

From$2,468

To$2,870

↑ $402

Federal Way, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,880–$1,990/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.

$8,850

Monthly in Federal Way, WA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$185

Difference

Home Values

Federal Way

Denver

$575K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -1.6%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +28.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$549K - $601K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 11% less expensive than Federal Way

Calculate payment - Federal Way 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

Federal Way, 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

Federal Way, 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.