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Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Los Angeles, CA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

21.4% Los Angeles, CA is more expensive overall
34.8% 34.8% more expensive housing
8.9% 8.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 34.8% more
Denver
132
Los Angeles
178
🛒 Groceries 8.9% more
Denver
101
Los Angeles
110
🚗 Transportation 19.0% more
Denver
105
Los Angeles
125
🏥 Healthcare 7.7% more
Denver
104
Los Angeles
112
⚡ Utilities 9.4% more
Denver
96
Los Angeles
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Los Angeles, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index11213621.4% more
Housing13217834.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$2,50054.3% more
Median Home Price$540,000$880,00063.0% more
Groceries1011108.9% more
Transportation10512519.0% more
Healthcare1041127.7% more
Utilities961059.4% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Los Angeles, CA
State Income Tax4.40%13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax2.90%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
Median household income
Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Los Angeles costs more but median income is only slightly higher. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Los Angeles to maintain your Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Los Angeles (136). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Los Angeles5.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Los Angeles2.5%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Los Angeles33 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Los Angeles67
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Los Angeles62
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Los Angeles66°F
Population
Denver713,252
Los Angeles3,898,747

Moving from Denver to Los Angeles?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver and Los Angeles → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Los Angeles →

Compare Other Cities

Denver vs Austin → Denver vs Nashville → Denver vs Raleigh → Los Angeles vs Portland → Los Angeles vs Phoenix → Los Angeles vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?+
Denver is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 34.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Los Angeles?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $2,500/month in Los Angeles — a difference of about $880 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Los Angeles?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Denver to Los Angeles?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 compared to $95,000 in Los Angeles. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Denver vs Los Angeles?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $880,000 in Los Angeles — a difference of $340,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while California averages 0.71%.