Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Anaheim, CA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Anaheim

California
182

Denver is 19% cheaper than Anaheim.

$1,770/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,082/mo ↑ 18%
$91,681/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$90,583/yr ↓ 1%
$586,700 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$771,700 ↑ 32%
$1,839/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,165/mo ↑ 18%
713,734
Population
344,553

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Anaheim, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $312/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $3,744/year.

Median household income is $1,098/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $771,700 in Anaheim.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Anaheim — common questions

Is Denver or Anaheim cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Anaheim?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Anaheim it's $2,082/month — a difference of $312/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Anaheim?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $90,583 in Anaheim. Median household income is $1,098/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Anaheim?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,082/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Anaheim details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Anaheim

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Anaheim vs. Honolulu Anaheim vs. Henderson Anaheim vs. Cleveland Anaheim vs. Lexington Anaheim vs. New Orleans Anaheim vs. Stockton