Is Denver, CO cheaper than Modesto, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 0.9% more expensive than Modesto, CA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Modesto, CA, you'd need approximately $150,825.688 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 5.0% more expensive than in Modesto, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,800/month in Modesto, CA.

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

Modesto, CA and Denver, CO have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Modesto, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $68.81/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.8K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 0.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$68.81

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$826

Per year

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

Modesto, CA

Population:218K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$424K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:101

Median Home:$513K

Modesto, CA

The Golden State

218K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 218K 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: Modesto, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	Modesto, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,092/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $156more	5.0%
🏥Healthcare	$502/mo	$632/mo	↑ $130more	25.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,089/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $59.96less	5.5%
📦Other	$1,724/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $13.66less	0.9%
⚡All Utilities	$530/mo	$519/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 5.0%

Modesto, CA

$3,092

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$156

🏥Healthcare

↑ 25.9%

Modesto, CA

$502

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$130

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.5%

Modesto, CA

$1,089

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$59.96

less

📦Other

↑ 2.9%

Modesto, CA

$1,724

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

🚗Transportation

↓ 0.9%

Modesto, CA

$1,475

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$13.66

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.1%

Modesto, CA

$530

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$10.93

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Modesto, 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$1,290

To$1,720

↑ $430

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,840

↑ $450

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$2,190

↑ $390

3 Bed

From$2,500

To$2,870

↑ $370

Modesto, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,780/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.

$8,413

Monthly in Modesto, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$252

Difference

Home Values

Modesto

Denver

$424K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +26.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$371K - $513K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 21% more expensive than Modesto

Calculate payment - Modesto 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

Modesto, 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

Modesto, 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.