Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Denver is 41% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,770/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 42%
$91,681/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 76%
$586,700 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 105%
$1,839/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 41%
713,734
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $735/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $8,820/year.

Median household income is $69,619/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Denver or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Bellevue?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $735/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Bellevue?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $69,619/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Washington?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Bellevue

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