Is Denver, CO cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 23.6% cheaper than San Diego, CA. This translates to saving $1771 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $128,750 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 37.8% cheaper than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

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

Moving from San Diego, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $1771 per month, or $21250 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Diego, CA

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Denver, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.8K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $128.7K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 23.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,771

Savings

Annual Impact

$21.3K

Per year

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$980K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:76

Median Home:$513K

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

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 Diego, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	San Diego, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,223/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $1,975less	37.8%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $117less	6.2%
⚡All Utilities	$634/mo	$519/mo	↓ $115less	18.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $109less	7.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.6%
🏥Healthcare	$638/mo	$632/mo	↓ $6.20less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 37.8%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,975

less

📦Other

↓ 6.2%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$117

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 18.1%

San Diego, CA

$634

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$115

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 7.0%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$109

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.6%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$49.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.0%

San Diego, CA

$638

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$6.20

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Diego, 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$2,565

To$1,720

↓ $845

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$1,840

↓ $915

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$2,190

↓ $1,170

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$2,870

↓ $1,605

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$2,372

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Denver

$980K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 48% less expensive than San Diego

Calculate payment - San Diego 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 Diego, 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 Diego, 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.