Is Denver, CO cheaper than San Jose, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 45.3% cheaper than San Jose, CA. This translates to saving $3396 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Jose, CA, you'd need approximately $109,253.731 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 66.4% cheaper than in San Jose, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $3,445/month in San Jose, CA.

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

Moving from San Jose, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $3396 per month, or $40746 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Jose, CA

Tap to swap

Denver, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Jose, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.4K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $109.3K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 45.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,396

Savings

Annual Impact

$40.7K

Per year

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

San Jose, CA

Population:1013K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.35M

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:55

Median Home:$513K

San Jose, CA

The Golden State

1.0M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 1.0M 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 Jose, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	San Jose, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,667/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $6,419less	66.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,129/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $99.93less	8.8%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$632/mo	↓ $74.35less	10.5%
⚡All Utilities	$464/mo	$519/mo	↑ $54.64more	11.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $54.64more	3.9%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 66.4%

San Jose, CA

$9,667

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$6,419

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.8%

San Jose, CA

$1,129

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$99.93

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.5%

San Jose, CA

$706

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$74.35

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.8%

San Jose, CA

$464

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$54.64

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.9%

San Jose, CA

$1,407

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$54.64

📦Other

↓ 2.8%

San Jose, CA

$1,825

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Jose, 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$2,590

To$1,720

↓ $870

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,840

↓ $1,110

2 Bed

From$3,445

To$2,190

↓ $1,255

3 Bed

From$4,550

To$2,870

↓ $1,680

San Jose, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,190–$4,060/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.

$15,199

Monthly in San Jose, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$6,534

Difference

Home Values

San Jose

Denver

$1.35M

Median Value

$513K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$671K - $2.59M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 62% less expensive than San Jose

Calculate payment - San Jose 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 Jose, 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 Jose, 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.