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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Denver

Colorado
147

Seattle is 49% more expensive than Denver.

$1,998/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,770/mo ↓ 11%
$121,984/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$91,681/yr ↓ 25%
$912,100 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$586,700 ↓ 36%
$2,220/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,839/mo ↓ 17%
741,440
Population
713,734

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Denver, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $228/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $2,736/year.

Median household income is $30,303/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $586,700 in Denver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Denver — common questions

Is Seattle or Denver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Denver?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Denver it's $1,770/month — a difference of $228/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Denver?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $91,681 in Denver. Median household income is $30,303/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Colorado?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Denver?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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.
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