Moving from San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO
Thinking about moving from San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO? Here's how the cost of living compares if you're relocating from San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, 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 27% lower in Denver ($1,770) than in San Francisco ($2,419). The typical home value is 58% lower in Denver ($586,700) than in San Francisco ($1,380,500). 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 35% lower in Denver ($91,681) than in San Francisco ($141,446).
Taxes
The top state income tax rate is 67% lower in Denver (4.40%) than in San Francisco (13.30%). State sales tax is 60% lower in Denver (2.90%) than in San Francisco (7.25%). Remember that local taxes and your specific bracket change the real picture (Tax Foundation, 2024).
Climate & air quality
Air-quality figures for this route are still being compiled.
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 San Francisco pay into the equivalent you'd need in Denver.