Is Denver, CO cheaper than Seattle, WA?

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

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Seattle, WA?

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

How does housing cost compare between Seattle, WA and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 56.9% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Seattle, WA to Denver, CO?

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

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Seattle, WA

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Denver, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Seattle, WA

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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA 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.

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$808K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:64

Median Home:$513K

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

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: Seattle, WA vs Denver, CO

Category	Seattle, WA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $4,288less	56.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $437less	23.0%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $201less	10.2%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$632/mo	↓ $192less	23.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.6%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$519/mo	↑ $38.25more	8.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 56.9%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$4,288

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 23.0%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$437

less

📦Other

↓ 10.2%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$201

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 23.3%

Seattle, WA

$824

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$192

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$49.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.0%

Seattle, WA

$481

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$38.25

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Seattle, WA 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$2,180

To$1,720

↓ $460

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$1,840

↓ $420

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$2,190

↓ $440

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$2,870

↓ $570

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$5,130

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Denver

$808K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 37% less expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle Calculate payment - Denver

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $6.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$550

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

Rate difference

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.