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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Sacramento

California
132

Denver is 15% more expensive than Sacramento.

$1,770/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↓ 4%
$91,681/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↓ 9%
$586,700 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$484,600 ↓ 17%
$1,839/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↓ 5%
713,734
Population
524,802

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $76/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $912/year.

Median household income is $7,928/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Sacramento — common questions

Is Denver or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Sacramento?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $76/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Sacramento?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $7,928/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 Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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