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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Denver

Colorado
147

San Diego is 34% more expensive than Denver.

$2,223/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,770/mo ↓ 20%
$104,321/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$91,681/yr ↓ 12%
$848,500 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$586,700 ↓ 31%
$2,308/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,839/mo ↓ 20%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Denver, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $453/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $5,436/year.

Median household income is $12,640/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $586,700 in Denver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Denver — common questions

Is San Diego or Denver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Denver?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Denver it's $1,770/month — a difference of $453/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Denver?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $91,681 in Denver. Median household income is $12,640/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Denver?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Denver details →

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