Is Denver, CO cheaper than Poway, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 17.6% cheaper than Poway, CA. This translates to saving $1320 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Poway, CA, you'd need approximately $134,165.381 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 25.5% cheaper than in Poway, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,466/month in Poway, CA.

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

Moving from Poway, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $1320 per month, or $15835 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Poway, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from San Diego, CA area

Current salary in Poway, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $134.2K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 17.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,320

Savings

Annual Impact

$15.8K

Per year

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

Poway, CA

Population:48K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.18M

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:82

Median Home:$513K

Poway, CA

The Golden State

48K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 48K 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: Poway, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	Poway, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,358/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $1,109less	25.5%
⚡All Utilities	$610/mo	$519/mo	↓ $91.17less	14.9%
📦Other	$1,754/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $20.94more	1.2%
🏥Healthcare	$614/mo	$632/mo	↑ $17.54more	2.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $9.82less	0.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,456/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $5.42more	0.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 25.5%

Poway, CA

$4,358

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,109

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 14.9%

Poway, CA

$610

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$91.17

less

📦Other

↑ 1.2%

Poway, CA

$1,754

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$20.94

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.9%

Poway, CA

$614

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$17.54

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.9%

Poway, CA

$1,039

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$9.82

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 0.4%

Poway, CA

$1,456

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$5.42

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Poway, 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$1,883

To$1,720

↓ $163

1 Bed

From$2,017

To$1,840

↓ $177

2 Bed

From$2,466

To$2,190

↓ $276

3 Bed

From$3,286

To$2,870

↓ $416

Poway, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$2,560/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.

$9,831

Monthly in Poway, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,166

Difference

Home Values

Poway

Denver

$1.18M

Median Value

$513K

↓ -4%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +43.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$1.18M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 57% less expensive than Poway

Calculate payment - Poway 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

Poway, 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

Poway, 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.