Cost of Living: Sunnyvale, CA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Sunnyvale is 124% more expensive than Arvada.

$3,065/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 41%
$181,862/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↓ 38%
$1,816,600 ↑ 202%
Home Value
$600,800 ↓ 67%
$3,016/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↓ 35%
153,455
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,263/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $15,156/year.

Median household income is $68,466/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Arvada — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Arvada?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $1,263/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Arvada?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $68,466/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sunnyvale details → View Arvada details →

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