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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Richmond

California
161

Denver is 9% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,770/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 7%
$91,681/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 2%
$586,700 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 11%
$1,839/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 10%
713,734
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $1,643/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Richmond — common questions

Is Denver or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Richmond?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Richmond?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $1,643/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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Richmond details →

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