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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Long Beach

California
169

Denver is 13% cheaper than Long Beach.

$1,770/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,803/mo ↑ 2%
$91,681/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$83,969/yr ↓ 8%
$586,700 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$762,200 ↑ 30%
$1,839/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,890/mo ↑ 3%
713,734
Population
458,491

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
25.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Long Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,712/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $762,200 in Long Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Long Beach — common questions

Is Denver or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Long Beach?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Long Beach it's $1,803/month — a difference of $33/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Long Beach?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $83,969 in Long Beach. Median household income is $7,712/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 Long Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,803/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Long Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Long Beach

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