Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Vancouver, WA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Denver is 20% more expensive than Vancouver.

$1,770/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 8%
$91,681/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↓ 15%
$586,700 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$440,300 ↓ 25%
$1,839/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 13%
713,734
Population
192,696

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Vancouver, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $13,525/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Vancouver residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Denver or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vancouver is cheaper to live in with an index of 123 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Vancouver?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Vancouver?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $13,525/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Washington?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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