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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Denver is 57% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,770/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 73%
$91,681/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 98%
$586,700 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 210%
$1,839/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 64%
713,734
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,295/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $15,540/year.

Median household income is $90,181/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Denver or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,295/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $90,181/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Sunnyvale

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