Is Denver, CO cheaper than Olympia, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 0.3% more expensive than Olympia, WA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Olympia, WA, you'd need approximately $150,312.743 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 9.3% more expensive than in Olympia, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,575/month in Olympia, WA.

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

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

Olympia, WA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Olympia, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $26.06/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.3K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 0.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$26.06

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$313

Per year

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

Olympia, WA

Population:56K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$542K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

Olympia, WA

The Evergreen State

56K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 56K 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: Olympia, WA vs Denver, CO

Category	Olympia, WA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,842/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $380less	20.6%
🏠Housing	$2,972/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $276more	9.3%
📦Other	$1,591/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $183more	11.5%
🏥Healthcare	$812/mo	$632/mo	↓ $180less	22.1%
⚡All Utilities	$474/mo	$519/mo	↑ $45.50more	9.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,063/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $33.70less	3.2%

🚗Transportation

↓ 20.6%

Olympia, WA

$1,842

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$380

less

🏠Housing

↑ 9.3%

Olympia, WA

$2,972

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$276

📦Other

↑ 11.5%

Olympia, WA

$1,591

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$183

🏥Healthcare

↓ 22.1%

Olympia, WA

$812

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$180

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.6%

Olympia, WA

$474

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$45.50

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.2%

Olympia, WA

$1,063

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$33.70

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Olympia, 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$1,237

To$1,720

↑ $483

1 Bed

From$1,352

To$1,840

↑ $488

2 Bed

From$1,575

To$2,190

↑ $615

3 Bed

From$2,103

To$2,870

↑ $767

Olympia, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,640–$1,710/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.

$8,754

Monthly in Olympia, WA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$88.97

Difference

Home Values

Olympia

Denver

$542K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +27.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$539K - $562K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 5% less expensive than Olympia

Calculate payment - Olympia 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

Olympia, 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

Olympia, 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.