Is Denver, CO cheaper than Los Angeles, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 36.5% cheaper than Los Angeles, CA. This translates to saving $2739 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Los Angeles, CA, you'd need approximately $117,126.37 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 58.1% cheaper than in Los Angeles, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA.

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

Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $2739 per month, or $32874 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Los Angeles, CA

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Denver, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Los Angeles, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $117.1K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 36.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,739

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.9K

Per year

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

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$885K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:63

Median Home:$513K

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

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: Los Angeles, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	Los Angeles, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $4,501less	58.1%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $697less	32.3%
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$632/mo	↑ $78.07more	14.1%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $43.52more	2.5%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$519/mo	↓ $38.25less	6.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $10.99less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 58.1%

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$4,501

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 32.3%

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$697

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 14.1%

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$78.07

📦Other

↑ 2.5%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$43.52

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.9%

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$38.25

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.1%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$10.99

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Los Angeles, 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$1,910

To$1,720

↓ $190

1 Bed

From$2,135

To$1,840

↓ $295

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$2,190

↓ $470

3 Bed

From$3,370

To$2,870

↓ $500

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/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.

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$5,125

Difference

Home Values

Los Angeles

Denver

$885K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -3.4%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +13.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$531K - $3.01M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 42% less expensive than Los Angeles

Calculate payment - Los Angeles 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

Los Angeles, 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

Los Angeles, 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.