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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Denver is 41% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,770/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 20%
$91,681/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 18%
$586,700 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 130%
$1,839/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 27%
713,734
Population
120,223

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $357/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $4,284/year.

Median household income is $16,877/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Denver or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Berkeley?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $357/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Berkeley?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $16,877/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Berkeley

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach