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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Denver is 35% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,770/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 37%
$91,681/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 31%
$586,700 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 79%
$1,839/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 32%
713,734
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $654/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $7,848/year.

Median household income is $28,204/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Denver or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $654/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $28,204/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Huntington Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Huntington Beach

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