Is Denver, CO cheaper than Vista, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 18.4% cheaper than Vista, CA. This translates to saving $1382 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Vista, CA, you'd need approximately $133,421.592 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 26.2% cheaper than in Vista, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,276/month in Vista, CA.

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

Moving from Vista, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $1382 per month, or $16578 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Vista, CA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Vista, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from San Diego, CA area

Current salary in Vista, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.4K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $133.4K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 18.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,382

Savings

Annual Impact

$16.6K

Per year

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

Vista, CA

Population:98K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$819K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:82

Median Home:$513K

Vista, CA

The Golden State

98K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 98K 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: Vista, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	Vista, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,402/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $1,154less	26.2%
⚡All Utilities	$613/mo	$519/mo	↓ $94.25less	15.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,044/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $15.07less	1.4%
🏥Healthcare	$618/mo	$632/mo	↑ $14.44more	2.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,471/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $9.33less	0.6%
📦Other	$1,771/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $3.18more	0.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 26.2%

Vista, CA

$4,402

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,154

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 15.4%

Vista, CA

$613

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$94.25

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.4%

Vista, CA

$1,044

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$15.07

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.3%

Vista, CA

$618

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$14.44

🚗Transportation

↓ 0.6%

Vista, CA

$1,471

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$9.33

less

📦Other

↑ 0.2%

Vista, CA

$1,771

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$3.18

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Vista, 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$1,735

To$1,720

↓ $15.00

1 Bed

From$1,866

To$1,840

↓ $26.00

2 Bed

From$2,276

To$2,190

↓ $86.00

3 Bed

From$3,032

To$2,870

↓ $162

Vista, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,280–$2,410/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.

$9,919

Monthly in Vista, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,255

Difference

Home Values

Vista

Denver

$819K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -1.6%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +40.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$763K - $876K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 37% less expensive than Vista

Calculate payment - Vista 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

Vista, 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

Vista, 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.