Is Denver, CO cheaper than San Rafael, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 30.3% cheaper than San Rafael, CA. This translates to saving $2273 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Rafael, CA, you'd need approximately $122,725.982 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 45.0% cheaper than in San Rafael, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,537/month in San Rafael, CA.

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

Moving from San Rafael, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $2273 per month, or $27274 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in San Rafael, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.7K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 30.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,273

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.3K

Per year

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

San Rafael, CA

Population:60K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.34M

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:70

Median Home:$513K

San Rafael, CA

The Golden State

60K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 60K 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 Rafael, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	San Rafael, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,906/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $2,658less	45.0%
🚗Transportation	$2,064/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $603less	29.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,134/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $104less	9.2%
⚡All Utilities	$438/mo	$519/mo	↑ $80.88more	18.5%
🏥Healthcare	$691/mo	$632/mo	↓ $58.83less	8.5%
📦Other	$1,793/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $18.96less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 45.0%

San Rafael, CA

$5,906

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$2,658

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.2%

San Rafael, CA

$2,064

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$603

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.2%

San Rafael, CA

$1,134

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$104

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 18.5%

San Rafael, CA

$438

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$80.88

🏥Healthcare

↓ 8.5%

San Rafael, CA

$691

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$58.83

less

📦Other

↓ 1.1%

San Rafael, CA

$1,793

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$18.96

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Rafael, 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$1,748

To$1,720

↓ $28.00

1 Bed

From$2,098

To$1,840

↓ $258

2 Bed

From$2,537

To$2,190

↓ $347

3 Bed

From$3,244

To$2,870

↓ $374

San Rafael, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,580–$2,580/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.

$12,027

Monthly in San Rafael, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$3,362

Difference

Home Values

San Rafael

Denver

$1.34M

Median Value

$513K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +13.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$1.34M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 62% less expensive than San Rafael

Calculate payment - San Rafael 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 Rafael, 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 Rafael, 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.