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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Denver is 33% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,770/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 25%
$91,681/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 13%
$586,700 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 78%
$1,839/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 27%
713,734
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $448/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $5,376/year.

Median household income is $12,097/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Denver or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Pasadena?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $448/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Pasadena?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $12,097/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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