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 city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Housing
Median rent is 11% lower in Denver ($1,770) than in Seattle ($1,998). The typical home value is 36% lower in Denver ($586,700) than in Seattle ($912,100). 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 25% lower in Denver ($91,681) than in Seattle ($121,984).
Taxes
The top state income tax rate is 100% higher in Denver (4.40%) than in Seattle (0.00%). State sales tax is 55% lower in Denver (2.90%) than in Seattle (6.50%). Remember that local taxes and your specific bracket change the real picture (Tax Foundation, 2024).
Climate & air quality
Average air quality index is 11% lower in Denver (33.0) than in Seattle (37.0). 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 Seattle pay into the equivalent you'd need in Denver.