Is Denver, CO cheaper than Santa Clara, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 36.0% cheaper than Santa Clara, CA. This translates to saving $2703 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Clara, CA, you'd need approximately $117,558.14 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 57.5% cheaper than in Santa Clara, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $3,960/month in Santa Clara, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Clara, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $2703 per month, or $32442 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Santa Clara, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fremont, CA area

Current salary in Santa Clara, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $117.6K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 36.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,703

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.4K

Per year

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

Santa Clara, CA

Population:131K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.60M

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:64

Median Home:$513K

Santa Clara, CA

The Golden State

131K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 131K 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 Clara, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	Santa Clara, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,640/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $4,392less	57.5%
🛒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

↓ 57.5%

Santa Clara, CA

$7,640

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$4,392

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.8%

Santa Clara, CA

$1,129

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$99.93

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.5%

Santa Clara, CA

$706

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$74.35

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.8%

Santa Clara, CA

$464

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$54.64

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.9%

Santa Clara, CA

$1,407

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$54.64

📦Other

↓ 2.8%

Santa Clara, 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%)

Santa Clara, 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$2,980

To$1,720

↓ $1,260

1 Bed

From$3,390

To$1,840

↓ $1,550

2 Bed

From$3,960

To$2,190

↓ $1,770

3 Bed

From$5,230

To$2,870

↓ $2,360

Santa Clara, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,860–$3,790/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.

$13,172

Monthly in Santa Clara, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$4,507

Difference

Home Values

Santa Clara

Denver

$1.60M

Median Value

$513K

↓ -0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +30.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$1.49M - $1.86M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 68% less expensive than Santa Clara

Calculate payment - Santa Clara 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 Clara, 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 Clara, 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.