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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Denver

Colorado
147

Los Angeles is 27% more expensive than Denver.

$1,879/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,770/mo ↓ 6%
$80,366/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$91,681/yr ↑ 14%
$879,500 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$586,700 ↓ 33%
$2,055/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,839/mo ↓ 11%
3,857,897
Population
713,734

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Denver, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $11,315/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $586,700 in Denver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Denver — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Denver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Denver?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Denver it's $1,770/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Denver?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $91,681 in Denver. Median household income is $11,315/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Denver?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Denver has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,770/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View Denver details →

More Comparisons

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