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Moving from Seattle, WA to Denver, CO

Thinking about moving from Seattle, WA to Denver, CO? Here's how the cost of living compares if you're relocating from Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA?

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 metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.

Housing

Median rent is 10% lower in Denver ($1,831) than in Seattle ($2,030). The typical home value is 34% lower in Denver ($616,000) than in Seattle ($938,600). 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 24% lower in Denver ($94,718) than in Seattle ($123,860).

Taxes

State tax figures for this route are still being compiled.

Climate & air quality

Average air quality index is 48% lower in Denver (27.0) than in Seattle (52.0). Lower AQI means cleaner air on a typical day, though seasonal wildfire smoke and pollen can shift this.

Quick numbers

Metric

Seattle

WA

Denver

CO

Median rent

$2,030
$1,831

Median home value

$938,600
$616,000

Median income

$123,860
$94,718

Cost index

112.7
N/A

Sources: US Census ACS · BEA Regional Price Parities

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in Denver, CO?

The median gross rent in Denver is $1,831 per month (US Census ACS).

What salary do you need in Denver, CO?

Median household income in Denver is $94,718. Use the salary calculator on this page to convert your current Seattle pay into the equivalent you'd need in Denver.

Full Seattle vs Denver comparison →Denver, CO cost of living →