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Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs San Diego, CA

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

17.9% San Diego, CA is more expensive overall
27.3% 27.3% more expensive housing
6.9% 6.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 27.3% more
Denver
132
San Diego
168
🛒 Groceries 6.9% more
Denver
101
San Diego
108
🚗 Transportation 12.4% more
Denver
105
San Diego
118
🏥 Healthcare 7.7% more
Denver
104
San Diego
112
⚡ Utilities 8.3% more
Denver
96
San Diego
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO San Diego, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index11213217.9% more
Housing13216827.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$2,30042.0% more
Median Home Price$540,000$820,00051.9% more
Groceries1011086.9% more
Transportation10511812.4% more
Healthcare1041127.7% more
Utilities961048.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO San Diego, 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
San Diego, CA
$89,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: San Diego 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 San Diego to maintain your Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs San Diego (132). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
San Diego4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
San Diego2.9%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
San DiegoDefense, Biotech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
San Diego25 min
Walk Score
Denver61
San Diego51
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
San Diego45
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
San Diego64°F
Population
Denver713,252
San Diego1,381,611

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Denver vs Austin → Denver vs Nashville → Denver vs Raleigh → San Diego vs Portland → San Diego vs Phoenix → San Diego vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver or San Diego cheaper to live in?+
Denver is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 27.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs San Diego?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $2,300/month in San Diego — a difference of about $680 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or San Diego?+
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 San Diego?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 compared to $89,000 in San Diego. 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 San Diego?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $820,000 in San Diego — a difference of $280,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while California averages 0.71%.