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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Denver is 12% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,770/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 23%
$91,681/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 33%
$586,700 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 3%
$1,839/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 21%
713,734
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $30,548/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Denver or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $30,548/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Elk Grove

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