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Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Seattle, WA

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

10.7% Seattle, WA is more expensive overall
18.2% 18.2% 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 18.2% more
Denver
132
Seattle
156
🛒 Groceries 6.9% more
Denver
101
Seattle
108
🚗 Transportation 12.4% more
Denver
105
Seattle
118
🏥 Healthcare 5.8% more
Denver
104
Seattle
110
⚡ Utilities 5.2% cheaper
Denver
96
Seattle
91

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Seattle, WA Difference
Overall Cost Index11212410.7% more
Housing13215618.2% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$2,05026.5% more
Median Home Price$540,000$780,00044.4% more
Groceries1011086.9% more
Transportation10511812.4% more
Healthcare1041105.8% more
Utilities96915.2% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Seattle, WA
State Income Tax4.40%None (0%)
State Sales Tax2.90%6.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.84%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
Median household income
Seattle, WA
$110,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Seattle outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Seattle (124). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Seattle3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Seattle3.8%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Seattle30 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Seattle73
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Seattle40
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Seattle52°F
Population
Denver713,252
Seattle749,256

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver or Seattle cheaper to live in?+
Denver is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 18.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Seattle?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $2,050/month in Seattle — a difference of about $430 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Seattle?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 compared to $110,000 in Seattle. 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 Seattle?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $780,000 in Seattle — a difference of $240,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Washington averages 0.84%.