Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Denver, CO
Thinking about moving from Los Angeles, CA to Denver, CO? Here's how the cost of living compares if you're relocating from Los Angeles, CA to Denver, CO. This guide breaks down housing, income, taxes, and climate using the latest US government data so you can plan your relocation budget with realistic numbers rather than guesswork.
Salary calculator
How much would you need to earn in Denver, CO to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
A cost-of-living index isn't available for one of these cities yet, so we can't compute an equivalent salary.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Housing
Median rent is 6% lower in Denver ($1,770) than in Los Angeles ($1,879). The typical home value is 33% lower in Denver ($586,700) than in Los Angeles ($879,500). Factor in moving costs, deposits, and the gap between advertised and median rents when you set a housing budget.
Income & jobs
Median household income is 12% higher in Denver ($91,681) than in Los Angeles ($80,366).
Taxes
The top state income tax rate is 67% lower in Denver (4.40%) than in Los Angeles (13.30%). State sales tax is 60% lower in Denver (2.90%) than in Los Angeles (7.25%). Remember that local taxes and your specific bracket change the real picture (Tax Foundation, 2024).
Climate & air quality
Average air quality index is 57% lower in Denver (33.0) than in Los Angeles (77.0). Lower AQI means cleaner air on a typical day, though seasonal wildfire smoke and pollen can shift this.
Frequently asked questions
How much is rent in Denver, CO?
The median gross rent in Denver is $1,770 per month (US Census ACS).
What salary do you need in Denver, CO?
Median household income in Denver is $91,681. Use the salary calculator on this page to convert your current Los Angeles pay into the equivalent you'd need in Denver.