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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Oakland

California
195

Denver is 25% cheaper than Oakland.

$1,770/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 8%
$91,681/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$97,369/yr ↑ 6%
$586,700 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$924,700 ↑ 58%
$1,839/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,164/mo ↑ 18%
713,734
Population
438,072

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $5,688/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Oakland — common questions

Is Denver or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Oakland?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Oakland?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $5,688/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Oakland has a cost index of 195 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Oakland details →

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