Is Denver, CO cheaper than Riverside, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 6.0% cheaper than Riverside, CA. This translates to saving $449 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Riverside, CA, you'd need approximately $144,615.385 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 7.4% cheaper than in Riverside, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,400/month in Riverside, CA.

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

Moving from Riverside, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $449 per month, or $5385 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Riverside, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $449/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.6K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$449

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.4K

Per year

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

Riverside, CA

Population:315K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$621K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$513K

Riverside, CA

The Golden State

315K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 315K 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: Riverside, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	Riverside, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $697less	32.3%
🏠Housing	$3,508/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $260less	7.4%
🏥Healthcare	$551/mo	$632/mo	↑ $80.54more	14.6%
📦Other	$1,724/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.9%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$519/mo	↓ $38.25less	6.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%

🚗Transportation

↓ 32.3%

Riverside, CA

$2,158

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$697

less

🏠Housing

↓ 7.4%

Riverside, CA

$3,508

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$260

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 14.6%

Riverside, CA

$551

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$80.54

📦Other

↑ 2.9%

Riverside, CA

$1,724

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.9%

Riverside, CA

$557

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$38.25

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Riverside, CA

$1,039

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$9.99

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Riverside, 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$1,850

To$1,720

↓ $130

1 Bed

From$1,940

To$1,840

↓ $100

2 Bed

From$2,400

To$2,190

↓ $210

3 Bed

From$3,180

To$2,870

↓ $310

Riverside, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,670–$2,650/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.

$9,539

Monthly in Riverside, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$874

Difference

Home Values

Riverside

Denver

$621K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +34.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$550K - $748K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 17% less expensive than Riverside

Calculate payment - Riverside 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

Riverside, 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

Riverside, 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.