Is Denver, CO cheaper than Fountain Valley, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 25.8% cheaper than Fountain Valley, CA. This translates to saving $1935 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fountain Valley, CA, you'd need approximately $126,782.155 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 37.5% cheaper than in Fountain Valley, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,815/month in Fountain Valley, CA.

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

Moving from Fountain Valley, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $1935 per month, or $23218 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fountain Valley, CA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Fountain Valley, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Santa Ana, CA area

Current salary in Fountain Valley, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.9K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.8K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 25.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,935

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.2K

Per year

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

Fountain Valley, CA

Population:55K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.33M

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:74

Median Home:$513K

Fountain Valley, CA

The Golden State

55K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 55K 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: Fountain Valley, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	Fountain Valley, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,201/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $1,952less	37.5%
🚗Transportation	$2,078/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $616less	29.6%
📦Other	$1,660/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $115more	6.9%
🏥Healthcare	$541/mo	$632/mo	↑ $90.95more	16.8%
⚡All Utilities	$547/mo	$519/mo	↓ $27.73less	5.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,020/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $9.62more	0.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 37.5%

Fountain Valley, CA

$5,201

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,952

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.6%

Fountain Valley, CA

$2,078

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$616

less

📦Other

↑ 6.9%

Fountain Valley, CA

$1,660

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$115

🏥Healthcare

↑ 16.8%

Fountain Valley, CA

$541

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$90.95

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.1%

Fountain Valley, CA

$547

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$27.73

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.9%

Fountain Valley, CA

$1,020

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$9.62

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Fountain Valley, 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$2,332

To$1,720

↓ $612

1 Bed

From$2,389

To$1,840

↓ $549

2 Bed

From$2,815

To$2,190

↓ $625

3 Bed

From$3,821

To$2,870

↓ $951

Fountain Valley, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,920–$2,920/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.

$11,046

Monthly in Fountain Valley, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$2,381

Difference

Home Values

Fountain Valley

Denver

$1.33M

Median Value

$513K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +55%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$1.33M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 61% less expensive than Fountain Valley

Calculate payment - Fountain Valley 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

Fountain Valley, 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

Fountain Valley, 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.