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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Ontario

California
152

Denver is 3% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,770/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 8%
$91,681/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 10%
$586,700 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$568,000 ↓ 3%
$1,839/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 7%
713,734
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $8,875/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Ontario — common questions

Is Denver or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Ontario?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Ontario?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $8,875/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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Ontario

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa