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

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

32.1% San Francisco, CA is more expensive overall
59.1% 59.1% more expensive housing
13.9% 13.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 59.1% more
Denver
132
San Francisco
210
🛒 Groceries 13.9% more
Denver
101
San Francisco
115
🚗 Transportation 21.9% more
Denver
105
San Francisco
128
🏥 Healthcare 13.5% more
Denver
104
San Francisco
118
⚡ Utilities 12.5% more
Denver
96
San Francisco
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO San Francisco, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index11214832.1% more
Housing13221059.1% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$3,00085.2% more
Median Home Price$540,000$1,250,000131.5% more
Groceries10111513.9% more
Transportation10512821.9% more
Healthcare10411813.5% more
Utilities9610812.5% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA
$130,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in San Francisco outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in San Francisco to maintain your Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs San Francisco (148). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
San Francisco3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
San Francisco3.2%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
San Francisco34 min
Walk Score
Denver61
San Francisco87
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
San Francisco42
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
San Francisco57°F
Population
Denver713,252
San Francisco808,437

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver or San Francisco cheaper to live in?+
Denver is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 59.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs San Francisco?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $3,000/month in San Francisco — a difference of about $1,380 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or San Francisco?+
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 Francisco?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 compared to $130,000 in San Francisco. 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 Francisco?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $1,250,000 in San Francisco — a difference of $710,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while California averages 0.71%.