Is Denver, CO cheaper than San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 44.2% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $3312 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $110,253.807 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 66.8% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

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

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $3312 per month, or $39746 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Francisco, CA

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Denver, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.3K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $110.3K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 44.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,312

Savings

Annual Impact

$39.7K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.25M

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:56

Median Home:$513K

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

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 Francisco, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	San Francisco, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,771/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $6,523less	66.8%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $697less	32.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,159/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $130less	11.2%
📦Other	$1,875/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $100less	5.4%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$632/mo	↓ $74.35less	10.5%
⚡All Utilities	$448/mo	$519/mo	↑ $71.03more	15.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 66.8%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$6,523

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 32.3%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$697

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.2%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$130

less

📦Other

↓ 5.4%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$100

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.5%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$74.35

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 15.9%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$71.03

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Francisco, 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$2,460

To$1,720

↓ $740

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,840

↓ $1,110

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$2,190

↓ $1,380

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$2,870

↓ $1,690

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$7,453

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Denver

$1.25M

Median Value

$513K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 59% less expensive than San Francisco

Calculate payment - San Francisco 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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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.