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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Denver

Colorado
147

San Jose is 73% more expensive than Denver.

$2,617/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,770/mo ↓ 32%
$141,565/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$91,681/yr ↓ 35%
$1,187,800 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$586,700 ↓ 51%
$2,775/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,839/mo ↓ 34%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Denver, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $847/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $10,164/year.

Median household income is $49,884/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $586,700 in Denver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Denver — common questions

Is San Jose or Denver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Denver?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Denver it's $1,770/month — a difference of $847/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Denver?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $91,681 in Denver. Median household income is $49,884/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Denver?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Denver details →

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