Is Denver, CO cheaper than Sacramento, CA?

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

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

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

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 11.3% cheaper than in Sacramento, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,180/month in Sacramento, CA.

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

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

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Sacramento, 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 Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, 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.

Sacramento, CA

Population:525K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$460K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$513K

Sacramento, CA

The Golden State

525K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 525K 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: Sacramento, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	Sacramento, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,664/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $416less	11.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $40.98more	2.9%
📦Other	$1,808/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $33.48less	1.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,059/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $29.98less	2.8%
🏥Healthcare	$620/mo	$632/mo	↑ $12.39more	2.0%
⚡All Utilities	$530/mo	$519/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 11.3%

Sacramento, CA

$3,664

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$416

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 2.9%

Sacramento, CA

$1,421

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$40.98

📦Other

↓ 1.9%

Sacramento, CA

$1,808

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$33.48

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.8%

Sacramento, CA

$1,059

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$29.98

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.0%

Sacramento, CA

$620

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$12.39

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.1%

Sacramento, 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%)

Sacramento, 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$1,690

To$1,720

↑ $30.00

1 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,840

↑ $70.00

2 Bed

From$2,180

To$2,190

↑ $10.00

3 Bed

From$2,900

To$2,870

↓ $30.00

Sacramento, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,310/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.

$9,102

Monthly in Sacramento, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$437

Difference

Home Values

Sacramento

Denver

$460K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +18.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$352K - $969K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 11% more expensive than Sacramento

Calculate payment - Sacramento 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

Sacramento, 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

Sacramento, 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.