Is Denver, CO cheaper than San Mateo, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 31.1% cheaper than San Mateo, CA. This translates to saving $2335 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Mateo, CA, you'd need approximately $121,978.236 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 45.7% cheaper than in San Mateo, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $3,686/month in San Mateo, CA.

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

Moving from San Mateo, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $2335 per month, or $28022 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 San Mateo, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oakland, CA area

Current salary in San Mateo, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.3K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.0K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 31.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,335

Savings

Annual Impact

$28.0K

Per year

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

San Mateo, CA

Population:101K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$2.02M

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:69

Median Home:$513K

San Mateo, CA

The Golden State

101K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 101K 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 Mateo, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	San Mateo, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,977/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $2,729less	45.7%
🚗Transportation	$2,089/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $628less	30.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,140/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $111less	9.8%
⚡All Utilities	$441/mo	$519/mo	↑ $78.24more	17.7%
🏥Healthcare	$695/mo	$632/mo	↓ $62.99less	9.1%
📦Other	$1,815/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $40.60less	2.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 45.7%

San Mateo, CA

$5,977

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$2,729

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 30.0%

San Mateo, CA

$2,089

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$628

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.8%

San Mateo, CA

$1,140

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$111

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 17.7%

San Mateo, CA

$441

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$78.24

🏥Healthcare

↓ 9.1%

San Mateo, CA

$695

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$62.99

less

📦Other

↓ 2.2%

San Mateo, CA

$1,815

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$40.60

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Mateo, 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$2,543

To$1,720

↓ $823

1 Bed

From$3,045

To$1,840

↓ $1,205

2 Bed

From$3,686

To$2,190

↓ $1,496

3 Bed

From$4,707

To$2,870

↓ $1,837

San Mateo, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,670–$3,730/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.

$12,158

Monthly in San Mateo, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$3,493

Difference

Home Values

San Mateo

Denver

$2.02M

Median Value

$513K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +21%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$1.73M - $2.32M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 75% less expensive than San Mateo

Calculate payment - San Mateo 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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.