Is Denver, CO cheaper than San Carlos, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 33.0% cheaper than San Carlos, CA. This translates to saving $2477 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Carlos, CA, you'd need approximately $120,277.726 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 50.5% cheaper than in San Carlos, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $3,206/month in San Carlos, CA.

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

Moving from San Carlos, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $2477 per month, or $29722 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Carlos, CA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 San Carlos, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fremont, CA area

Current salary in San Carlos, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.5K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $120.3K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 33.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,477

Savings

Annual Impact

$29.7K

Per year

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

San Carlos, CA

Population:29K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$2.30M

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:67

Median Home:$513K

San Carlos, CA

The Golden State

29K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 29K 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: San Carlos, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	San Carlos, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,566/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $3,318less	50.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,343/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $118more	8.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,103/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $74.16less	6.7%
⚡All Utilities	$454/mo	$519/mo	↑ $65.24more	14.4%
🏥Healthcare	$690/mo	$632/mo	↓ $58.23less	8.4%
📦Other	$1,742/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $32.10more	1.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 50.5%

San Carlos, CA

$6,566

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$3,318

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 8.8%

San Carlos, CA

$1,343

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$118

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.7%

San Carlos, CA

$1,103

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$74.16

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 14.4%

San Carlos, CA

$454

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$65.24

🏥Healthcare

↓ 8.4%

San Carlos, CA

$690

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$58.23

less

📦Other

↑ 1.8%

San Carlos, CA

$1,742

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$32.10

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Carlos, 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$2,208

To$1,720

↓ $488

1 Bed

From$2,646

To$1,840

↓ $806

2 Bed

From$3,206

To$2,190

↓ $1,016

3 Bed

From$4,099

To$2,870

↓ $1,229

San Carlos, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,260–$3,260/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.

$11,899

Monthly in San Carlos, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$3,235

Difference

Home Values

San Carlos

Denver

$2.30M

Median Value

$513K

↑ +2.9%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +25%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$2.30M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 78% less expensive than San Carlos

Calculate payment - San Carlos 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

San Carlos, 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

San Carlos, 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.