Is Denver, CO cheaper than Palo Alto, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 34.3% cheaper than Palo Alto, CA. This translates to saving $2569 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Palo Alto, CA, you'd need approximately $119,167.227 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 51.4% cheaper than in Palo Alto, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $3,266/month in Palo Alto, CA.

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

Moving from Palo Alto, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $2569 per month, or $30833 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Palo Alto, CA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Palo Alto, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fremont, CA area

Current salary in Palo Alto, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.6K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $119.2K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 34.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,569

Savings

Annual Impact

$30.8K

Per year

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

Palo Alto, CA

Population:66K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$3.33M

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:66

Median Home:$513K

Palo Alto, CA

The Golden State

66K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 66K 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: Palo Alto, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	Palo Alto, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,689/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $3,441less	51.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,369/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $92.90more	6.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,114/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $84.47less	7.6%
🏥Healthcare	$697/mo	$632/mo	↓ $64.68less	9.3%
⚡All Utilities	$458/mo	$519/mo	↑ $61.00more	13.3%
📦Other	$1,775/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $0.60less	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 51.4%

Palo Alto, CA

$6,689

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$3,441

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.8%

Palo Alto, CA

$1,369

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$92.90

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.6%

Palo Alto, CA

$1,114

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$84.47

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 9.3%

Palo Alto, CA

$697

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$64.68

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.3%

Palo Alto, CA

$458

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$61.00

📦Other

↓ 0.0%

Palo Alto, CA

$1,775

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$0.60

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Palo Alto, 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$2,456

To$1,720

↓ $736

1 Bed

From$2,795

To$1,840

↓ $955

2 Bed

From$3,266

To$2,190

↓ $1,076

3 Bed

From$4,316

To$2,870

↓ $1,446

Palo Alto, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,240–$3,650/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.

$12,101

Monthly in Palo Alto, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$3,437

Difference

Home Values

Palo Alto

Denver

$3.33M

Median Value

$513K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +28.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$3.21M - $4.19M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 85% less expensive than Palo Alto

Calculate payment - Palo Alto 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

Palo Alto, 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

Palo Alto, 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.