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

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

33.9% San Jose, CA is more expensive overall
62.9% 62.9% more expensive housing
10.9% 10.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 62.9% more
Denver
132
San Jose
215
🛒 Groceries 10.9% more
Denver
101
San Jose
112
🚗 Transportation 14.3% more
Denver
105
San Jose
120
🏥 Healthcare 11.5% more
Denver
104
San Jose
116
⚡ Utilities 14.6% more
Denver
96
San Jose
110

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO San Jose, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index11215033.9% more
Housing13221562.9% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$2,80072.8% more
Median Home Price$540,000$1,350,000150.0% more
Groceries10111210.9% more
Transportation10512014.3% more
Healthcare10411611.5% more
Utilities9611014.6% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO San Jose, 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 Jose, CA
$140,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in San Jose outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs San Jose (150). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
San Jose3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
San Jose3.5%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
San JoseTech, Hardware, SaaS

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
San Jose29 min
Walk Score
Denver61
San Jose50
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
San Jose40
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
San Jose60°F
Population
Denver713,252
San Jose983,489

Moving from Denver to San Jose?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver or San Jose cheaper to live in?+
Denver is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 62.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs San Jose?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $2,800/month in San Jose — a difference of about $1,180 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or San Jose?+
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 Jose?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 compared to $140,000 in San Jose. 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 Jose?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $1,350,000 in San Jose — a difference of $810,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while California averages 0.71%.