Is Denver, CO cheaper than Santa Cruz, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 41.6% cheaper than Santa Cruz, CA. This translates to saving $3120 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Cruz, CA, you'd need approximately $112,562.435 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 60.2% cheaper than in Santa Cruz, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $3,823/month in Santa Cruz, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Cruz, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $3120 per month, or $37438 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Santa Cruz, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from San Jose, CA area

Current salary in Santa Cruz, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.1K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $112.6K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 41.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,120

Savings

Annual Impact

$37.4K

Per year

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

Santa Cruz, CA

Population:62K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.24M

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:58

Median Home:$513K

Santa Cruz, CA

The Golden State

62K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 62K 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 Cruz, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	Santa Cruz, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$8,153/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $4,904less	60.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,318/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $143more	10.9%
⚡All Utilities	$450/mo	$519/mo	↑ $69.50more	15.5%
📦Other	$1,710/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $64.64more	3.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,093/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $63.81less	5.8%
🏥Healthcare	$684/mo	$632/mo	↓ $51.76less	7.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 60.2%

Santa Cruz, CA

$8,153

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$4,904

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 10.9%

Santa Cruz, CA

$1,318

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$143

⚡All Utilities

↑ 15.5%

Santa Cruz, CA

$450

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$69.50

📦Other

↑ 3.8%

Santa Cruz, CA

$1,710

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$64.64

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.8%

Santa Cruz, CA

$1,093

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$63.81

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 7.6%

Santa Cruz, CA

$684

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$51.76

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Santa Cruz, 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$2,883

To$1,720

↓ $1,163

1 Bed

From$2,995

To$1,840

↓ $1,155

2 Bed

From$3,823

To$2,190

↓ $1,633

3 Bed

From$4,875

To$2,870

↓ $2,005

Santa Cruz, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,900–$3,870/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.

$13,407

Monthly in Santa Cruz, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$4,743

Difference

Home Values

Santa Cruz

Denver

$1.24M

Median Value

$513K

↑ +0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +25.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$648K - $1.27M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 59% less expensive than Santa Cruz

Calculate payment - Santa Cruz 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 Cruz, 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 Cruz, 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.