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Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Sacramento, CA

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

5.4% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
7.6% 7.6% more expensive housing
3.0% 3.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 7.6% more
Denver
132
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 3.0% more
Denver
101
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 6.7% more
Denver
105
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 3.8% more
Denver
104
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 4.2% more
Denver
96
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index1121185.4% more
Housing1321427.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,650~Same
Median Home Price$540,000$450,00016.7% less
Groceries1011043.0% more
Transportation1051126.7% more
Healthcare1041083.8% more
Utilities961004.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Sacramento, 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
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Sacramento costs more but median income is lower. 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 Sacramento to maintain your Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Denver713,252
Sacramento524,943

Moving from Denver to Sacramento?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Denver vs Austin → Denver vs Nashville → Denver vs Raleigh → Sacramento vs Portland → Sacramento vs Phoenix → Sacramento vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Denver is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 7.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $30 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Sacramento?+
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 Sacramento?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 compared to $78,000 in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $90,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while California averages 0.71%.