Is Denver, CO cheaper than Santa Barbara, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 21.6% cheaper than Santa Barbara, CA. This translates to saving $1617 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Santa Barbara, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Barbara, CA, you'd need approximately $130,596.996 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Santa Barbara, CA and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 29.1% cheaper than in Santa Barbara, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $3,086/month in Santa Barbara, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Barbara, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $1617 per month, or $19403 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Barbara, CA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Santa Barbara, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oxnard, CA area

Current salary in Santa Barbara, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.6K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $130.6K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 21.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,617

Savings

Annual Impact

$19.4K

Per year

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

Santa Barbara, CA

Population:86K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.76M

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:78

Median Home:$513K

Santa Barbara, CA

The Golden State

86K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 86K 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: Santa Barbara, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	Santa Barbara, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,583/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $1,334less	29.1%
🚗Transportation	$2,073/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $611less	29.5%
📦Other	$1,897/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $123less	6.5%
🏥Healthcare	$540/mo	$632/mo	↑ $91.55more	16.9%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$519/mo	↓ $27.13less	5.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,018/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $10.74more	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 29.1%

Santa Barbara, CA

$4,583

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,334

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.5%

Santa Barbara, CA

$2,073

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$611

less

📦Other

↓ 6.5%

Santa Barbara, CA

$1,897

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$123

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 16.9%

Santa Barbara, CA

$540

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$91.55

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.0%

Santa Barbara, CA

$546

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$27.13

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.1%

Santa Barbara, CA

$1,018

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$10.74

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Santa Barbara, 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$2,429

To$1,720

↓ $709

1 Bed

From$2,711

To$1,840

↓ $871

2 Bed

From$3,086

To$2,190

↓ $896

3 Bed

From$4,025

To$2,870

↓ $1,155

Santa Barbara, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,160–$3,900/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.

$10,658

Monthly in Santa Barbara, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,993

Difference

Home Values

Santa Barbara

Denver

$1.76M

Median Value

$513K

↑ +0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +48%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$1.42M - $2.30M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 71% less expensive than Santa Barbara

Calculate payment - Santa Barbara 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

Santa Barbara, 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

Santa Barbara, 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.