Is Denver, CO cheaper than Santa Monica, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 30.9% cheaper than Santa Monica, CA. This translates to saving $2315 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Monica, CA, you'd need approximately $122,219.195 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 49.3% cheaper than in Santa Monica, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,653/month in Santa Monica, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Monica, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $2315 per month, or $27781 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Santa Monica, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Los Angeles, CA area

Current salary in Santa Monica, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.2K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 30.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,315

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.8K

Per year

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

Santa Monica, CA

Population:90K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.46M

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:69

Median Home:$513K

Santa Monica, CA

The Golden State

90K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 90K 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 Monica, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	Santa Monica, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,404/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $3,155less	49.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,982/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $520less	26.2%
📦Other	$1,589/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $185more	11.7%
🏥Healthcare	$531/mo	$632/mo	↑ $101more	19.1%
🛒Groceries	$997/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $32.49more	3.3%
⚡All Utilities	$534/mo	$519/mo	↓ $14.95less	2.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 49.3%

Santa Monica, CA

$6,404

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$3,155

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 26.2%

Santa Monica, CA

$1,982

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$520

less

📦Other

↑ 11.7%

Santa Monica, CA

$1,589

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$185

🏥Healthcare

↑ 19.1%

Santa Monica, CA

$531

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$101

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.3%

Santa Monica, CA

$997

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$32.49

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.8%

Santa Monica, CA

$534

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$14.95

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Santa Monica, 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$1,904

To$1,720

↓ $184

1 Bed

From$2,131

To$1,840

↓ $291

2 Bed

From$2,653

To$2,190

↓ $463

3 Bed

From$3,364

To$2,870

↓ $494

Santa Monica, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,390–$2,980/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.

$12,036

Monthly in Santa Monica, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$3,371

Difference

Home Values

Santa Monica

Denver

$1.46M

Median Value

$513K

↓ -3.3%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +3.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$1.05M - $4.51M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 65% less expensive than Santa Monica

Calculate payment - Santa Monica 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 Monica, 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 Monica, 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.